Interserve has been awarded a design and build contract by The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) for the new National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC).

The centre will be a large, open access facility that will help companies of all sizes to develop, prototype and scale up the next generation of biologic products, processes and technology. The scheme is part of the government’s strategy for Life Sciences, which will help UK companies to develop a competitive foothold in the growing biologics market.

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Located at Central Park, Darlington, the centre will support the commercialisation of research by promoting collaboration between academia, the National Health Service and industry. The aim of the centre is to boost the UK pharmaceutical industry and supply chain in the rapidly growing biologics market, and increase the manufacturing capability for products developed in Britain.

The centre will provide flexible laboratory areas for process, analytical and technology development as well as clean rooms and open-plan areas where new concepts can be tested. The NBMC will also offer offices, meeting rooms and spaces for training and conferencing.

Work is expected to start on site in April 2014, with completion expected by the end of March 2015.

(CD/IT)