THE huge Fujifilm plant at Billingham - which has made 60 million doses of the Novavax coronavirus vaccine and is now waiting for approval  - has announced a £400 million investment that will create up to 350 new jobs.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies said the investment will double the size of its site in Billingham, Teesside, adding it will create the largest biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in the UK.

New facilities are expected to be operational by late 2023.

Chief Executive Martin Meeson, said: “We all know that there has never been a more important time to invest in biopharmaceuticals and £400 million, the largest investment in British biopharmaceutical manufacturing for decades, signals Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ intent to be able to offer multi-modal options to respond to our customers’ needs with flexibility and agility to help solve public health demands, and deliver the medicines and vaccines of tomorrow.

“With a strong growing demand for microbial, cell culture and viral gene therapy services, we are adding the capacity and latest technologies within one campus to offer a range of modalities to build an offering that will deliver novel promising treatments to patients for years to come.”

The news was welcomed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said: “I am delighted that Fujifilm has identified the massive potential in the UK for growth and innovation.

“At £400 million, this is a significant investment in British biopharmaceutical manufacturing and will power our response to some of today’s most urgent global health challenges and deliver life-changing medicines and vaccines to patients in need.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Fujifilm is a global household name that’s helping us lead the UK in our innovative biosciences sector and this £400million investment is a major statement for Teesside.  "This makes our region the number one location for biosciences investment outside of Cambridge. A staggering achievement that we’re now reaping the rewards for.

“A few years ago I met the global Fujifilm executives in their boardroom in Japan and we supported the firm with £3.6million for its new Biocampus which opened earlier this year, paving the way for this mammoth new site and this incredible new investment.

"I’m delighted they’ve committed even more to our region, creating 350 good-quality, well-paid jobs for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool while helping to attract and keep the best and brightest here.”

Paul Found, the company’s chief operating officer, added: “It’s our vision for the Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ site in Billingham to be the beating heart of the rapidly expanding North East Life Sciences ecosystem, and this investment will create up to 350 highly skilled jobs and additional benefits across the local and national supply chain.”