Phytovation opens new operation in Wales

A new bioscience company, which obtains high quality plant extracts for use in the pharmaceutical industry, has opened a state-of-the-art facility in north Wales.

Phytovation has been established at the Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, with the support of a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Currently employing seven people with plans for expansion, Phytovation will produce high quality plant extracts for use in the pharmaceutical and associated industries. The new facility was officially opened by Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.

'Our bioscience sector is without doubt one of the best in the world in terms of research and development and manufacturing. We have a wide range of such leading-edge companies throughout Wales and Phytovation is the latest in a long-line that has decided to base its facilities here,' Davies said.

The enterprise was made possible by partnership and co-operation with Reckitt Benckiser, the leading supplier of natural senna-based laxatives in the world. 'Their great experience in the fine milling of senna was essential in the development of this new technology,' said Andy Beggin, managing director of Phytovation. 'We have ambitions to develop this technology for other substances, thus making Caernarfon a centre of excellence for this high-tech pharmaceutical milling.'