Jobs Boost at GlaxoSmithKline

Patricia Gibson MP, was delighted to attend the formal opening of the £72 million expansion of the Irvine Potassium Cluvalanate Plant in GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP. This facility will create an additional 55 jobs at its North Ayrshire plant, following a £70 million investment to expand capacity by 35%.

Scottish Enterprise has committed £1.5 million towards the expansion.

Announcing the grant funding at the official opening of the new facility, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

"GSK is a global leader in the development of new medicines and a great example of a highly innovative company benefiting from what Scotland has to offer as a manufacturing and exporting base. Its continuing year on year investment in North Ayrshire is a tribute to GSK's highly skilled and motivated workforce."

Added Patricia Gibson MP:

"I was delighted to attend this opening and am very pleased at this expression of confidence in North Ayrshire that this investment demonstrates by GSK. Life sciences in this GSK plant and throughout Scotland are set to continue to thrive, which is great news for our local economy.

"We continue to grow skills and expertise in this important part of our economy and that will attract further investment in North Ayrshire.

“I wholeheartedly agree with our First Minister that Scotland in general and North Ayrshire in particular is a very attractive location of choice for global life science companies and GSK is leading the way in this sector in Scotland.”