Gen-Probe expands Manchester base
THE US firm which bought Manchester-based life sciences firm Tepnel last year has announced that it is to expand its operations at the firm’s site in Wythenshawe.
The company has said it is to increase the amount of space from 11,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq ft at Innovation House, which is owned by property investment and development firm Bluemantle.
The expanded site will become the company’s European headquarters and will carry out the manufacturing of Gen-Probe’s women’s health products as well as its genetic disease testing products. A suite of contract service laboratories will also provide consolidated molecular genetic services to the pharmaceutical and academic sectors.
A refurb of the space is currently being undertaken by Boulting Environmental Services, and Gen-Probe has received financial support for the expansion from both Manchester City Council and MIDAS.
The work will be split into two phases. Phase one will include the redevelopment of existing laboratories on the first floor and should complete early next year. The more substantial Phase 2 includes the construction of the new manufacturing facility on the ground floor and will be complete by the end of 2011.
“We are excited by this decision as we believe that it will support the company’s growth in Europe over the next few years,” said Carl Hull, Gen-Probe’s president and chief executive officer.
“It also creates an opportunity for increased efficiencies in our operations and allows us to establish an R&D ‘centre of excellence’ in Manchester.
“This location is excellent for us in terms of its proximity to the international airport, and also provides a talented pool of scientists from local universities and research institutes.”
Tim Newns, deputy chief executive of MIDAS, said the expanded facility would provide “is a real shot in the arm for Wythenshawe and Manchester”.
Mark Caldwell, chief executive of Bluemantle, said: “We have worked very closely with Gen-Probe over the last 18 months to provide them with the best possible solution to satisfy their requirements.”
