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Life sciences to bring jobs boost Jobs boost in life science sector
(about 1 hour later)
Several hundred jobs will be created in Scotland's life sciences sector, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather is expected to announce. A life sciences company is to create almost 400 new jobs in Scotland, it has been announced.
It is understood there will also be news of a major investment from an American company. North Carolina-based company PPD will employ 390 more people over three years in response to increasing demand for its drug development services.
Mr Mather will travel to the offices of PPD in Bellshill in Lanarkshire to make the announcement. This will see the company's workforce in Scotland more than double from its current level of 350.
The company, based in North Carolina, already employs more than 280 staff in the area. The firm said it would also invest £15m in its site at Strathclyde Business Park in Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
PPD is an international contract research organisation specialising in clinical trial management for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical industries. Part of this investment will be the construction of a 34,000sq ft building, alongside existing premises at the park.
This project represents a highly valuable and very welcome development for the life sciences sector in Scotland Jack Perry Scottish Enterprise
The new jobs will be across several areas in the company, including data development, biostatistics and clinical trial management and monitoring.
The expansion is being supported by a business grant from the Scottish Executive of £4.5m.
Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD, said: "Scotland offers both intellectual and technical resources that make it an important hub for our global clinical research operations."
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, who was at the offices of PPD, said he was delighted at the news.
'Global player'
He added: "The economic benefits of 390 jobs and a new facility not only impact on the local community, but also make a very positive step towards increasing sustainable economic growth in Scotland."
Jack Perry, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, the economic development agency, welcomed the "vote of confidence" in Scotland.
He said: "This project represents a highly valuable and very welcome development for the life sciences sector in Scotland.
"PPD's operation is a vital part of the life sciences industry here, not just as a significant employer but as a Scottish base for a global player in the market."
PPD has more than 9,700 employees in 28 countries worldwide.