News Article

Business Minister Ian Lucas donned his hard hat today (11 March) as he led the ground breaking ceremony for the expansion of the Industrial Biotechnology demonstrator facilities in Wilton, Teesside.

The Government has invested £12 million in the facility, which will play a key role in developing novel and more sustainable advanced manufacturing and process technologies at the chemicals complex. This is a growth sector, and it is estimated that the market potential for chemicals made by industrial biotechnology will rise to £12 billion in the UK alone by 2025.

The Minister also announced 19 winning projects of a £2.5 million competition that will use the demonstrator facility to stimulate the development of new product processes and technologies. These company-led feasibility studies will involve businesses, universities and research organisations.

The facility will be fully operational by the end of the year, giving companies improved access to the expertise and equipment needed to take advantage of the market opportunities.

Ian Lucas also toured the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) facilities at Wilton and was given an update on plans for its expansion at Sedgefield. It has been supported by Government funding of £12 million.

Business Minister Ian Lucas said:

“The Government fully recognises the crucial role that the UK’s manufacturing base will play in growing our economy. Here in the North East the regional strengths in industrial biotechnology, plastic electronics and advanced manufacturing will help the UK achieve its goal of economic growth and a low carbon economy.

“The Government and One North East have committed £60 million for the Tees Valley to support future opportunities, growth and jobs. The Wilton chemicals complex is one of the biggest employers in the region, and I’m delighted to be here today to see the latest developments which will give a real boost to green jobs in the North East and to the chemicals industry in the UK.”

Regional development agency, One North East, has also earmarked £1.5 million to help strategic partners in the region to access the facilities at Wilton.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of One North East, said:

“This major new national facility will act as an anchor for new investment into the Tees Valley process sector and will help the UK become a world-class home for industrial biotechnology.

“This builds on One North East’s long-term investment in this exciting sector and the projects announced today by the Technology Strategy Board show how this vital new asset will give UK companies access to the global opportunities emerging in this industry.

“Industrial biotechnology is a good example of the longer-term projects that regional partners, including Tees Valley Unlimited, are looking to support through the TVIP to accelerate our transition to low carbon and advanced manufacturing.”

Nigel Perry, CEO of the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) said:

“CPI exists to help companies test, develop and scale up sustainable processes and energy solutions. This practical and commercial approach enables customers to enter valuable and new markets as quickly as possible.”

The competition was run by the Technology Strategy Board. Commenting on the results, Merlin Goldman, the Technology Strategy Board’s Lead Technologist for the Biosciences, said:

“We were delighted by the high quality of applications received. With nearly two-thirds of commercial innovation stemming from small companies, they are a vital source of wealth-generating new products, materials and processes. Many small companies working in this sector have great ideas, but lack the funds and facilities to enable them to carry out the important development and demonstration feasibility work required. We anticipate that the results of these feasibility projects will lead to commercial-scale activities within 1-2 years.”

ENDS

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