The largest private employer in the Highlands has declared it is “here to stay” as the firm unveiled an £8.7million investment in Inverness.
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, which employs more than 1,100 people at its LifeScan Scotland plant in the Highland capital, made the announcement yesterday.
The cash injection, which includes a £1.85million grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), aims to cement the reputation of the city as a global leader in the research of diabetes treatment and monitoring.
It will be used to boost training of existing staff, and develop new technology in the field.
LifeScan Scotland managing director David McMillan was joined by Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and HIE chief executive Alex Paterson as the plans were unveiled at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness yesterday.
Mr McMillan said: “The investment by Johnson & Johnson here in Inverness is testament to the success of the site, and the confidence our global company, Johnson & Johnson, places on the significant importance that the Lifescan facility in Inverness plays supporting people around the world manage diabetes.
“It’s a very clear signal from Johnson & Johnson that they are here to stay in Inverness.”
Andreas Kreitz, Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide director of diabetes care manufacturing, said: “Our investment plan, and the grant support from HIE, will enable LifeScan Scotland to research and test alternative, more cost-effective materials and production methods that will increase productivity and enable us to serve our global customers better.”
LifeScan Scotland was established in 2001 when Johnson & Johnson acquired Inverness Medical Ltd – a medical device company that designed and manufactured glucose test strips, and electronic meters for the global diabetes market.
Mr Mackay said: “I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the substantial investment in research and development on the site, which I’m very impressed with.
“It’s so important to Inverness, the region and the country as well.”
Mr Paterson said: “Inverness and its environs has become a centre of excellence for diabetes. LifeScan has been and continues to be at the heart of that.
“This investment by the company reinforces Inverness’s position as a global R&D centre, and will ensure LifeScan technology continues to be at the global forefront of the monitoring and treatment of diabetes.
“I very much welcome its continued commitment to the region and am delighted we are able to support these ambitious plans.”