Work starts on £12m biotech facility at Wilton
12 Mar 2010
Wilton, UK – Construction work has started on the expansion of the Industrial Biotechnology demonstrator facilities in Wilton, Teesside. The Government has invested £12m in the facility, which is to help develop novel and more sustainable manufacturing and process technologies at the chemicals complex.
The Wilton facility will be fully operational by the end of the year, giving companies improved access to the expertise and equipment to take advantage of the market opportunities. The market potential for chemicals made by industrial biotechnology is forecast rise to £12 billion in the UK alone by 2025.
The Government and One North East have earmarked £60 million through the Tees Valley Industrial Programme for the North East region. The funding comprises £30 million from the Government’s Strategic Investment Fund, and £30m from One North East.
Over £10m has been allocated in the first three months of the two-year Tees Valley Industrial Programme, specifically to support businesses, apprenticeships and energy efficiency programmes. Up to £20 million will be invested in the Wilton International site. Regional development agency, One North East, has also earmarked £1.5 million to help strategic partners in the region to access the facilities at Wilton.
“The Government and One North East have committed £60 million for the Tees Valley to support future opportunities, growth and jobs,” said Ian Lucas, UK business minister . “The Wilton chemicals complex is one of the biggest employers in the region, and I’m delighted to be here today to see the latest developments which will give a real boost to green jobs in the North East and to the chemicals industry in the UK.”
