Global medtech business to relocate to £80m site
Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology business will relocate from its historic Hull home to a new £80m site in Melton.
The move from its current site which has been home to the business for over 160 years is just eight miles from its current site, with the business awaiting planing permission to build a new R&D and manufacturing facility for its Advanced Wound Management franchise at Wykleand’s Melton West business park. The development will also be supported by a grant from UK Government.
The new facility is expected to open in 2024, with the investment creating a world-class R&D, manufacturing and flexible office environment, which is expected to support more than £8bn of sales in its first 10 years of operation.
Smith & Nephew which was founded in Hull in 1856 currently employs 800 people. The decision to move to a new site was described as a necessity for the business who according to local MP Emma Hardy said she understood the business had been looking for a 23 acre site and that “you can’t find 23 acres within the boundary of Hull, it’s simply not there”.
Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Hull-based Wykeland, owner and developer of Melton West, said: “We are delighted the strategic, long-term investments we have made in the infrastructure at Melton West business park has enabled Smith+Nephew to stay within the region and make such a huge investment in a state-of-the-art new facility.
“Smith+Nephew is one of the region’s leading employers, with a proud local history and heritage. This investment will open an exciting new chapter in that story.”
Simon Fraser, President of Advanced Wound Management for Smith+Nephew, said: “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to building our leadership in Advanced Wound Management.
“Smith+Nephew was founded in Hull in 1856 and we are proud to make this major investment in the region for future generations.”
Lord Kamall, minister for innovation, said: “Smith & Nephew’s new R&D base will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences and innovative research, levelling up the health of our nation, tackling disparities and saving lives.”
