3 minute read - 10th June 2022
Smith+Nephew to invest over £80m at new site
Smith+Nephew, the global medical technology business, is set to build a new R&D and manufacturing facility for its advanced wound management franchise on the outskirts of Hull.
Smith+Nephew will invest more than £80m to create a world-class R&D, manufacturing and flexible office environment. The development will also be supported by a grant from the UK government. The new facility, due to open in 2024, is expected to support more than $10bn of sales in its first 10 years of operation.
Subject to planning approval, the new facility will be located at Melton West business park, approximately eight miles from Smith+Nephew’s current Hull site. The new facility will replace its Hull site, where the firm has been based for more than 100 years. The Advanced Wound Management R&D programme will benefit from advanced laboratories better able to support the development of new technologies to satisfy unmet clinical needs. This ensures that the UK remains one of the world’s leading wound care R&D locations.
Smith+Nephew is to invest more than £80m at a new R&D and manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Hull / Picture: Smith+Nephew
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Manufacturing will focus on the production of high-technology products, supporting the fast and efficient launches of new products, and manufacturing complex materials used across Smith+Nephew’s portfolio. The new facility will be designed to high sustainability standards with a focus on energy and resource efficiency.
Simon Fraser, president of advanced wound management at Smith+Nephew, said: “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to building our leadership in Advanced Wound Management. Our vision is for a world-class working environment that encourages innovation and collaboration to deliver next-generation products that improve the standard of care for the NHS and customers around the world. Smith+Nephew was founded in Hull in 1856 and we are proud to make this major investment in the region for future generations.”
Lord Grimstone, minister for investment, added: “As set out in our Life Sciences Vision, we are committed to harnessing our skilled workforce and existing strengths in R&D to continue to attract large scale manufacturing and the economic opportunities that come with them. Today’s announcement from Smith+Nephew is a major vote of confidence in our thriving life sciences sector, cementing the UK’s status as a global science superpower and helping us to level up economic growth across the country.”
The new site is expected to open in 2024 and will replace the current Hull facility Smith+Nephew operates from / Picture: Smith+Nephew
Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Hull-based Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Melton West, concluded: “We are delighted the strategic, long-term investments we have made in the infrastructure at Melton West business park have 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.”
Smith+Nephew said it worked closely with Hull City Council but unfortunately was unable to find an appropriately sized and deliverable site within the city. The firm confirmed it is committed to continuing to work with the City Council and other stakeholders regarding future options for the current Hull site.