Little over seven years on from fears that the Montrose plant would be mothballed, GSK’s announcement of a further £25 million investment in the facility’s future has been hailed as a tribute to its Angus workforce.
Friday’s announcement follows on from a 2012 GSK pledge to invest £100m in the Cobden Street operation and the company’s other Scots factory, at Irvine on the Ayrshire coast.
Montrose currently produces active ingredients for a number of medicines including respiratory and HIV/AIDS drugs and the pharmaceutical giant’s president of global manufacturing and supply, Roger Connor, highlighted the Angus plant’s key role in the GSK business.
“Today, somewhere in the world, 20 million patients will take a product made in Montrose,” he told staff.
“Montrose is about technical brilliance, skill, capability and great equipment it has a great track record of success.
“The Montrose staff are exemplary in this organisation. You show nothing but determination, professionalism and skill and you have a bit of fun along the way.
“This investment is going to ensure that Montrose remains a world-class pharmaceutical facility and that’s thanks to you.”
Mr Connor added: “Our people here in Montrose manufacture the primary ingredients that then go forward to be put in inhalers, pills, capsules and injections for patients across the globe.
“Montrose will work alongside our sister site in Singapore to meet international demand for some of the world’s most important medicines.”
Scottish finance secretary John Swinney said: “This is an absolutely wonderful day for Montrose.
“GSK’s investment is testament to the skill of the Scottish workforce and illustrates the confidence international companies have in Scotland as a country to invest in.”
Mr Swinney announced the award of £1.5m Scottish Enterprise support for Angus Council to add to £2.7m already ring fenced by the local authority for a South Montrose infrastructure which will include major access improvements to the GSK site.