Merit hits ‘milestone’ in medicine centre work

A construction firm has reached a milestone moment on a 150-job Northumberland medicine-making base.

Merit has installed offsite-built components at the new NHS Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC), in Seaton Delaval.

Using a 150-tonne crane, the firm lifted and secured air handling units and pre-assembled modules through the facility’s roof.

Bosses say the new centre will produce chemotherapy and injectable medicines, with capacity for up to one million dosages annually, supporting hospitals across the region.

It will also feature advanced cleanrooms, quality control labs and welfare areas.

Appointed last October to design and fit out the MMC, Cramlington-based Merit is working alongside the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Tony Wells, chief executive of Merit, which recently announced it had strengthened its credentials with a major health and safety accreditation, said: “Reaching this milestone is testament to our team’s expertise and dedication. 

“We are proud to contribute to a project that will not only enhance healthcare delivery in our region but create valuable employment opportunities.”

Marc Sutton, MMC managing director, added: “The centre represents a transformative investment in the health and prosperity of the North East and North Cumbria.

“By producing vital chemotherapy and injectable treatments locally, we are not only strengthening the region’s healthcare resilience but creating high-quality jobs and fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a world-class facility that will serve our communities for years to come.”

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