£50m investment to produce plant-protecting product on global scale
A science-based manufacturer is injecting millions into its Huddersfield production site.
Global company, Syngenta, is spending around £50m re-engineering one of its large-scale production lines to support the delivery of PLINAZOLIN® technology, a new active ingredient that protects plant health against pests.
Site manager, Pete Waddington said: “Alongside our existing product portfolio, manufacturing key active ingredients here in Huddersfield means we can secure jobs for the future and help growers tackle crop pests using the next generation of more sustainable technologies.
“It also confirms our strong commitment to investing in innovation and employment in the UK.
“The manufacture of this new technology for farmers is a result of our ongoing commitment to investing in the long-term development of innovative and effective solutions that increase crop productivity in an environmentally sustainable and responsible way.”
The firm in Huddersfield has provided STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) apprenticeships for more than a decade.
It notes that this £50m investment presents future career opportunities for aspiring chemists, engineers, and manufacturing technicians of the future.
Syngenta operations in Huddersfield contribute £140M GVA into the Kirklees economy and the company has spent heavily on plant expansion projects in recent years to meet customer demand.
The business adds that its Huddersfield site remains a key strategic asset. It says the site is well placed for further growth as the company aims to bring new advanced and sustainable chemical solutions to global agricultural markets.
Waddington said: “We have an exciting future as part of the Syngenta family, making important products which help secure our food supply.
“The company is always assessing potential projects for investment in the UK and we are working hard to deliver on PLINAZOLIN® and secure continued investment in Huddersfield operations.
“We have the skills and the knowledge in Huddersfield to meet a fast-paced supply chain.”
