Life sciences firm Biocomposites is expanding its headquarters and manufacturing operations in North Staffordshire after being awarded £1.7 million of Government funding.
The company will use money from the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund to expand its facilities at Keele’s Science and Innovation Park, supporting its long-term growth plans and operational needs.
The expansion will focus on increasing automation, improving operational efficiency and reinforcing Biocomposite’s lcommitment to long-term manufacturing excellence.
It will help the firm increase the production of its flagship product STIMULAN – a small, dissolvable bead used during surgery that slowly releases antibiotics directly to infection sites – and is expected to help grow and safeguard jobs as well as providing a boost to the local economy.
The entire ground floor will operate as a clean room, providing enhanced manufacturing capability for developing medical technologies using innovative ceramic-based materials. New work stations, office space and meeting rooms will be created on two further floors.
Work has already begun and is on track for completion by the end of 2027.
Stephen Liptrot, Group Operations Director at Biocomposites, said: “This funding not only secures a bright future for Biocomposites in Keele but is essential to allow us to keep pace with growing customer demand.
“By reimagining the way we manufacture, improving our working and welfare environment, and investing in cutting-edge technology, we are ensuring that our primary manufacturing site in Keele is strategically positioned to support our ambitious growth plans.”
Biocomposites set up its headquarters at the campus more than 20 years ago and is described as an ‘integral’ part of the Keele community.
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “It’s tremendous news that our colleagues at Biocomposites have secured this really significant funding from the Government, and I’m delighted to hear that they will be able to use it to expand and continue their excellent work on the Science and Innovation Park.
“Businesses like Biocomposites are a great example of the high-value businesses and jobs here in North Staffordshire that make the Midlands such an economically significant region, and I am proud that they’ve chosen Keele’s Science and Innovation Park as the perfect place to grow their operations.”
