Wockhardt UK – serving international medical technology markets

 

Wockhardt is a global player in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, with 5,500 employees across the world. Wockhardt UK was established in early 2004 following the acquisition of Wallis Laboratories and Wrexham-based CP Pharmaceuticals.

Wockhardt’s European operations are spread over UK, Germany, Ireland and France, with more than 1,500 employees in Europe. But for many reasons – such as technical skills and technology available in Wales, the workforce, and the infrastructure – Wockhardt UK’s Wrexham site in north Wales, which employs 350 people, has grown to become the centre of European operations – and also serves a growing portfolio of US customers.

The growth rate of Wockhardt UK is twice the rate of growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the UK.

From day one, Wockhardt UK has received tremendous support from IBW – starting from grants, to helping improve infrastructure, and access to suitable warehousing, even at short notice.

“Support in Wales is really forthcoming in every way,” Sirjiwan Singh, Managing Director, Wockhardt UK

Local MPs have also been very helpful, such as introducing Wockhardt UK to local universities to help meet skills needs. To develop and manufacture pharmaceutical products requires special skills – and the company taps into the many chemistry and bioscience graduates from Welsh universities, as well as those from nearby Liverpool and Chester. “We are now talking to Cardiff University about collaborating on new medical devices and drug delivery technology,” says Singh.

“We have to be very cost-competitive, and we have inculcated a performance orientated work culture – and our workforce has been excellent in imbibing this work culture.”

The stable road infrastructure in and around north Wales is ideal for large volume distribution and logistics - as Singh puts it, “Wrexham is practically in the centre of the UK.” And international travel is easy too, with Singh flying out every month to India, Europe or the US.

Singh has been in Wales for five years now, and his daughter is currently studying at a local university.

“I love Wales. It is a very nice place – the people are very cooperative and there is a good working culture.”