Research and Development investment in Montrose
Finance Secretary makes Glaxosmithkline announcement
Glaxosmithkline in Montrose has been awarded a £1.46 million Research and Development grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Finance Secretary John Swinney gave details of the investment on a tour of the Montrose facility today (Monday, December 19) where he met some of the key staff who will be working on new research and development projects.
The grant will help position the site as a future new product development facility as well as create up to 25 new jobs and safeguard others.
Mr Swinney said:
“The Scottish Government and our enterprise agencies are doing all we can to build sustainable economic growth for Scotland.
“This investment by Glaxosmithkline in Montrose is looking towards the future and I’m encouraged that a world leading company is showing this commitment to the area.
“Scotland is globally renowned for innovation, enterprise and technology. The quality and skills of our workforce in life sciences have played an important part in the company’s decision, as has the research excellence of our institutions and the competitiveness of our business environment.
“The hard work by our partners at Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International also deserves praise. They have built-up an excellent understanding of this company and provided the most relevant support when required.”
Linda Hanna, Director of Company Growth at Scottish Enterprise, said:
“In the current economic conditions, it’s critical that more companies continue to innovate so that the Scottish economy maintains its competitive edge. This R&D grant will allow Glaxosmithkline to do just that, by increasing efficiencies and introducing new products to its Montrose site.
“Grant support is an integral part of the overall support from Scottish Enterprise to the company through our account management approach. By working closely with the management team, we have developed a mutual understanding of how we can focus our help to assist them to achieve their global growth objectives through increased investment and commitment to their operations in Scotland.”
Glaxosmithkline Montrose Site Director Andy Ross said:
“We are very grateful to Scottish Enterprise for all their efforts in relation to the R&D grant. Their financial support will allow us to provide the right people, plant and expertise at a critical time for the GSK Montrose site as we look to introduce innovative new processes so as to maintain our global cost effectiveness.
“This forms a key part of our future development and sustainability.”