Building begins on Cannabis-based Medicines Facility in UK

The recent initiation of construction of its new 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Kent Science Park (KSP), in Sittingbourne UK, represents an investment of over $100 million (approximately £75m) by Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc and its subsidiary, GW Pharmaceuticals. Expected to create more than 100 highly skilled new jobs when operational, the facility has been designed to support the company’s two regulatory-approved cannabis-based medicines and future capacity for new medicines under development. Currently manufacturing the extract, active pharmaceutical ingredients and the formulated drug products at KSP, occupying 12 buildings with more than 400 employees, the company said that the UK has become the heart of its global cannabinoid manufacturing operations.

The facility design also includes careful consideration to the environment; animal refuge boxes will be installed to promote wildlife in the local area, the use of single use plastics will be minimised and more than 1,100 solar panels will be installed to provide a portion of the building’s energy usage.

“The UK has been our home for over two decades. This strategic investment underlines Jazz’s continued commitment to the UK and will help us bring potentially life-changing medicines to more patients who desperately need them in the UK and around the world,” said Chris Tovey, executive vice president, chief operating officer and managing director, Europe & International at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. “We are thrilled to have commenced construction of this state-of-the-art facility in Kent, which will create more than 100 permanent, highly skilled jobs. This facility, which is expected to open in 2024, will not only significantly increase our ability to support the growing demand for our medicines, but help us maintain our position as a world leader in cannabinoid science.”

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