Purolite has expanded its bioprocressing resin production operation in Llantrisant in an investment that will create more than 80 new jobs.
The US firm, which was acquired last year by Ecolab in a multi-billion dollar deal, said its new customer experience centre, which extends to 9,200 sq ft, will triple capacity to meet the growing demand for biopharmaceutical products globally. Included in the expansion is increased office space, training areas and conference room facilities.
Purolite’s resins, which are made of tiny beads, are used to purify, extract or separate compounds. They can be used in anything from purifying drinking water to groundwater decontamination, to producing vital medicines.
Hayley Crowe, senior vice president and general manager of Purolite said “The opening of our new customer experience centre is another celebratory moment for the Purolite team in Wales.
Our site-wide facilities expansion is strategically designed to help accelerate our ability to provide customers throughout the world with high quality resin products and short lead times, enabling our customers to deliver life-saving drugs faster.
“We look forward to welcoming our customers to the centre to build and strengthen existing relationships with them. I have no doubt that our team will continue to achieve great things here.”
Purolite currently employs 212 at Llantrisant, having grown from 147 in 12 months, and is now recruiting for more than 80 staff on the back of the expansion. They include chemists, scientists, engineers and finance professionals.
Chris Major, general manager of the bioprocessing division at Purolite said: “We have ambitious plans in South Wales and now, more than ever, we are focused on supporting Wales’ extensive commercial potential, both through attracting external investment to the area and supporting our employees in their career and skills development.
“As we significantly increase our current processing production output, we are turning that into further investment for unlocking key talent available in Wales. By year end we expect to have increased our local employee workforce by over 55%.”
MS for Pontypridd Mick Antoniw, said: “Purolite’s facility expansion not only shows a commitment to supporting its bioprocessing customers, but also highlights the company’s commitment to the Wales economic landscape,”
“As the local MS I am delighted that Purolite is investing in its business, in our community, which enables global customers to develop life-saving medications that treat medical conditions from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis.”
The new centre in Llantrisant is running in parallel to expansions at Purolite’s US facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, as investment at manufacturing plants in China and Romania to help meet global demand.
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