Jobs boost announced
Firm to add 60 new posts
Sixty jobs are being created at a Bathgate-based pharmaceutical company.
Catalent Pharma Solutions announced plans to create the new full-time posts at its site near the Pyramids Business Park to mark its 20th anniversary in the town.
The plant produces, packages, stores and distributes kits for clinical trials and the firm has locations around the globe.
The new roles include warehouse logistics, distribution and packaging equipment operators and quality and project management.
Bosses said the move was in response to increased demand from both UK and global customers.
General manager Angela Cassidy said: “Our Bathgate facility plays a key role in Catalent’s global network and we are proud of the work we do in helping important medicines reach patients.
“Catalent’s commitment to the site is reflected in the significant investment and expansion that has taken place over the last two decades, including around £500,000 invested in the last year alone.
“The site’s ongoing success, and the fact we are looking to add more people to the great team here is testament to the service we provide to our customers and patients.”
The Bathgate site was originally purpose- built as a clinical packaging and logistics facility and was officially opened by Quintiles in September 1997. Since then it has expanded significantly prior to becoming part of the Catalent network in 2007.
A 20- year anniversary celebration is being planned for later in the year to recognise the site’s “past, present and future contributions to the development of new medications and ongoing support of Scotland’s growing life sciences industry”.
The firm said it was now embarking on a recruitment drive to fill the posts that will swell the 220-strong workforce at its 141,522 square foot facility.
Bosses are also looking to add more shiftwork patterns, with the aim of the site being operational from 7am to 10pm, six days a week.
Customers of Catalent’s Bathgate site include large, global pharmaceutical organisations, as well as smaller Scottish companies that make up one of Europe’s largest life science clusters.
Executive councillor for development and transport Cathy Muldoon welcomed the news and said: “It’s fantastic news that Catalent are looking to boost their workforce with up to 60 new staff.
“West Lothian is a great place to live, work and do business, with global firms such as Catalent choosing here as their base for business.
“Catalent are already a long-standing employer in West Lothian with over 200 staff, so their decision to grow their business here is a real vote of confidence on their dedicated local workers.”