Jobs secured for Halton as Mersey Gateway team relocates first business
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Runcorn operation is to become the first business to be relocated by the Mersey Gateway Project.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is investing in a new, multi-million pound Global Centre of Excellence in Runcorn in support of their global growth plans. Commencing with the relocation of the existing Anatomical Pathology and Chromatography business operations, in Runcorn, the CoE will be developed through 2009 – 2012.
The Mersey Gateway Project team and Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) have worked closely with Thermo Fisher Scientific and its advisors to negotiate an agreement that ensures the business can relocate within the borough with minimal interruption to its operations.
Frances Brady, Regional HR Manager with Thermo Fisher Scientific said: “Thermo Fisher Scientific recognises the very positive support shown by Halton Borough Council and the NWDA in helping to secure this major project. We were very keen to keep the business within Halton and are delighted with the potential that our new premises at Manor Park will offer. We have an excellent team here in Runcorn and our aim is to make Halton a Centre of Excellence for Thermo Fisher Scientific. The proposals for the new bridge and surrounding locations are very exciting and are one of the main reasons we are investing in the future here.“
The Mersey Gateway team has reached agreement to acquire the company’s existing premises on the Astmoor Industrial Estate and has also worked with it to source and
secure new premises within the town at Manor Park. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new 56,000 square foot premises at Manor Park include offices, laboratories, manufacturing and warehouse space.
The company’s current Runcorn operation, which is based at the Astmoor Industrial Estate, employs 145 staff through its research and development teams, manufacturing processes, and an internal supply and support centre. All these jobs will transfer to the new premises.
The deal is part of the Mersey Gateway Project’s land acquisition strategy, through which the council is in negotiations with a number of local landowners and businesses along the proposed route for the new bridge to acquire the land needed to allow it to go ahead. The aim is also to allow businesses to plan ahead and relocate them within Halton to keep local jobs.
The project team, supported by its advisers GVA Grimley and DLA Piper, and the NWDA, which has worked closely with Thermo Fisher Scientific and its advisors Land Law LLP on a number of projects, have been working hard over the last year to deliver this “win-win” result.
Cllr Tony McDermott, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board, said: “This is great news. The council is committed to keeping businesses and jobs here in Halton as part of the Mersey Gateway relocation strategy, and this deal shows that through collaboration we are making that commitment a reality.”
David Parr, Chief Executive of Halton Borough Council, said: “Halton is becoming renowned for science related businesses and I am delighted that we have reached this agreement, as it allows one of the world’s leading science based companies to stay and hopefully expand within Halton.”
Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development, said: “Thermo Fisher Scientific is a company of strategic importance to the Northwest and we welcome their commitment to the region, especially in the current economic climate. The new Mersey
Gateway will be a major investment in regional infrastructure and is a catalyst for strategic development as this project has proved.”
