A top drug development and manufacturing company at the end of its lease at the former ICI site in Billingham has found suitable alternative lab space at The Wilton Centre.

Staff working for the biocatalysis division of Piramal Healthcare had feared they might have to move out of Teesside after more than 20 years, but now they are happily settling into the laboratory complex located between Middlesbrough and Redcar.

Robert Holt, Director of Biocatalysis, said the alternative had been to take a free-standing unit on a science park.

He said: “Having access to services such as waste-handling, safety infrastructure, library facilities, meeting rooms, restaurant and conferencing facilities is all highly advantageous.

 ”Being close to CPI’s National Industrial Biotechnology Facility (NIBF) which is also based at The Wilton Centre - is a nice bonus as there is likely to be considerable synergy between what we both do.”

Piramal Healthcare is involved in drug discovery, drug development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Its biocatalysis division originated in ICI Billingham as part of its pharmaceutical activities but, as the company fragmented, the division has evolved through Zeneca and Avecia before being bought from Avecia by Piramal Healthcare in 2005.

Accommodation Manager Steve Duffield said: “Piramal Healthcare’s Biocatalysis division is a world leader in the discovery, development and application of biocatalysts in the manufacture of complex pharmaceuticals and we are delighted that our facilities have enabled such a top team to remain on Teesside,” Steve added.

Robert Holt added: “Depending on business developments, we hope to expand our permanent team over the next few years which may require expansion into additional laboratory space. The Wilton Centre has the capacity to enable us to do this without having to move again!”

Source: BDaily