£26million pharmaceutical manufacturing unit opens in Torbay

A £26 million pharmaceutical manufacturing unit, Torbay Pharmaceuticals, has opened in Paignton.

The unit, part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, is 78,000 square feet and is fully equipped with the latest technology. It is located on Wilkins Drive.

The unit allows research and development of new medicine products, which are then sold to and used by UK NHS hospitals and healthcare organisations globally. It is the largest NHS manufacturer of sterile products in England.

Proceeds of the income will be circulated back into local health care in Torbay and South Devon. This provides an annual multi-million pound cash injection for the local population’s health care needs.

Before the unit was built, Torbay Pharmaceuticals’ units were spread across four different sites across Torbay. Work began to prepare the new site in March 2013.

Richard Ibbotson, chairman of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are incredibly proud of Torbay Pharmaceuticals and all that they have achieved over the years. Not only have they created a range of highly skilled career opportunities, but they generate income which directly supports the health and care of local people. This is a first-rate example of what innovation in the NHS can contribute to local communities.

"These fabulous new facilities offer a modern, class-leading environment which will enable Torbay Pharmaceuticals to further grow and flourish. I, on behalf of the Trust Board, cannot thank everyone enough for their hard work in seeing this superb project come to fruition."

Emma Rooth, managing director of Torbay Pharmaceuticals, said: "Torbay Pharmaceuticals is proud to be such a successful part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Being part of the NHS enables us to have our finger on the pulse of health care needs and respond appropriately with new products, plugging shortages and anticipating the latest developments in medical science.

"Since the establishment of the original pharmaceutical department at Torbay Hospital back in the 1970s, we have grown from strength to strength to meet not only our local population's needs, but also the needs of the wider NHS and health care providers globally.

"The official opening of our new class-leading sterile product facility is a very exciting time for Torbay Pharmaceuticals. By strengthening our production capabilities and ensuring the delivery of high quality products for our patients through this investment, we have created the platform upon which we can achieve significant growth for the organisation, its people and the region."