GSK to pump £25m into Montrose plant

Earlier this year, Andrew Witty pledged the group's commitment to Scotland as part of its focus on research and development. Picture: Colin Hattersley

The firm has had a presence in the Angus town for more than 60 years and said the investment would bring the production of ingredients for four new pharmaceutical products to the site.

GSK said it would create 25 jobs for process technicians, engineers and chemists, bringing its total workforce in Scotland to more than 750. An additional 50 contractors will be employed during construction at the facility.

Roger Connor, the group’s president of global manufacturing and supply, said the investment was a “vote of confidence” in Montrose.

He 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.”

Along with £2.7m that has already been ring-fenced by Angus council, Scottish Enterprise has awarded the local authority £1.5m to improve access to the site.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “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.

“Montrose has the infrastructure, experience and skills to deliver success for GSK and the company’s commitment to Scotland is further positive news for financial enterprise and the wider Scottish economy.”