Pharmaceutical giant reveals plans to build new drug production facility on Wrexham Industrial Estate

A pharmaceutical giant has revealed plans to build a new drug production facility in Wrexham.

French company Ipsen wants to create the facility to replace and improve part of its existing base on Wrexham Industrial Estate.

Representatives said the decision had been taken in light of the ageing nature of buildings at the site, which was first established in 1995.

Approximately 430 people are currently employed at the facility, which manufactures biological products to tackle severe diseases.

In planning documents put forward to Wrexham Council, the firm said the aim of the new two-storey development on Ash Road North was to introduce modern equipment and attract staff.

It said: “The existing Ipsen site comprises of a series of buildings providing a mix of office, research and development, and manufacturing activities.

“The existing buildings have been constructed at various stages since Ipsen established itself in Wrexham in 1995.

“The scheme has been developed to meet the high international standards set both by the pharmaceutical industry and Ipsen Biopharm.

“With more than 400 workers Ipsen is Wrexham’s third biggest employer and attracting and retaining staff by creating attractive places to work is of paramount importance to the business.

“The proposed development is intended to provide a high quality facility for the production of new drug product with finished goods despatched through the adjacent Buildings Two and One respectively.”

The company said the existing security lodged would need to be removed to accommodate the proposals, whilst the internal access road would also need to be slightly re-aligned.

It also has long term plans to relocate the office building at the, which will be subject to a separate planning application.
The proposals for the new drug production facility will be considered by the local authority at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter