Global chemical manufacturer Purolite has lifted the lid on a new facility in Llantrisant, Wales, dedicated to the production of resin beads via jetting technology.
The resin beads are then distributed to Purolite’s customers around the world who then develop life-saving medications that treat medical conditions, from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis.
Designed to manage the post-pandemic global surge in interest for the company’s products, the facility also boasts several environmentally friendly features including solar-powered panels and ground pumps.
“The plan is to run the centre at net-zero energy,” Chris Major, General Manager of the Bioprocessing division at Purolite, told Cleanroom Technology on the day of the opening ceremony.
Speaking about the new facility, which took 18 months from inception to completion, Major said: “We had to make this investment to keep up with growing industry demands. There are challenges associated with receiving cost effective cancer treatment.”
Major continued: “Our level of increased productivity, something that this facility aids, drives costs of the product down so that our customers can then afford to create treatments for a lower price for the everyday people that are dying of these diseases and need it.”
The manufacturing expansion is expected to triple the production capacity of the company’s resins following increased investment in its facilities and workforce. The lofty prediction was reflected in the reputation of the event’s guests, including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan and Deputy Mayor Wendy Lewis of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Purolite’s expansion has come as a result of growing global demand for cancer treatments.
Major said: “In developing countries like India and China, you’re seeing a substantial increase of cancer related diseases, because there’s more money so people are living a westernised lifestyle. Smoking more - drinking more, getting diabetes. It’s those countries who are now playing catch-up with biosimilars, and that’s where Purolite’s technology comes in.”
The installation of solar-powered panels and ground pumps support the company’s hope to operate the facility at net-zero energy. Elsewhere, Purolite has invested in additional electric vehicles and charge points across the site for staff and visitors.
This is part of an on-going eco strategy that was aided by the company’s acquisition by Ecolab last year.
Speaking about the company’s eco-credentials, Major said: “Jetting technology substantially reduces the amount of water and CO2 used in the manufacturing process. When you marry what we’ve done with Ecolab’s credentials, there’s great synergy there.”
Major continued: “[Sustainability] has been at the fulcrum of what this new centre is all about. It’s 80% self-sufficient, including groundwater heat pumps, there are solar panels on the top of the roof. The portacabins are made out of recycled materials and then the vast majority of the forklift trucks around the site are electrically powered.”
The facility joins Purolite’s existing agarose resin manufacturing facility - also in South Wales - capable of producing 100,000L annually. This new facility marks the latest phase of a multi-million-dollar global investment in Purolite sites following Ecolab’s acquisition of the company in November 2021.
As a growing company, Purolite looks to attract the best talent within the industry, but with its tucked away location, sometimes geography is not its friend.
We had to make this investment to keep up with growing industry demands. There are challenges associated with receiving cost effective cancer treatment
Over the last year, Major explained the company’s desire to “look local” in its quest for success. “We are looking to create an environment which is fun to work in and where people feel the ability to go and create what they want to. We’re working closely with local universities to drive that partnership programme. Following Ecolab’s acquisition, we now have capacity to offer coaching and training programmes to prospective young scientists and students.”
Not only has the direction of the company enabled Purolite to gift its youth a golden opportunity, its new facility has also had positive reverberations to the economic landscape in Wales.
“Purolite’s Llantrisant facility expansion not only shows a commitment to supporting its bioprocessing customers, but also highlights the company’s commitment to the local economy,” said Mick Antoniw MS, local Member of the Senedd for Pontypridd, who was present at the opening ceremony.
Major concluded: “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. In fact, by the end of 2022, we expect to have increased our local employee population by over 55%.”