Investment for virus jab search ‘boosts region’
Politicians welcome Westminster cash
The coronavirus vaccine being produced in Livingston “could be one of the biggest private sector investments in West Lothian we have seen for a very long time” it has been claimed.
David Lawrence, chief financial officer of Valneva – who will be producing the vaccine at their plant in Livingston – made the claim after the UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma visited West Lothian to confirm the deal between the UK government and the biotech company.
The multi-million pound outlay will allow Valneva to initially produce 60 million doses of their unique inactivated vaccine that is more suitable for vulnerable people.
Speaking to the Courier, Mr Lawrence said: “The investment from the UK government further validates our ability and expertise to develop a Covid-19 vaccine as this could be one of the biggest private sector investments in West Lothian we have seen for a very long time when the final supply agreement with the UK government is complete.
“Our facility has been manufacturing vaccines to US Food and Drug Administration standards for more than a decade.
“Along with our ability to leverage existing process technology on site, we have experienced personnel who have extensive vaccine manufacturing backgrounds and the unique opportunity to leverage additional local talent.
“We believe these abilities ensure the switch to Covid-19 is successful and makes our Livingston site attractive for this investment and the local economy.”
Mr Lawrence welcomed West Lothian Council’s leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick and business development manager Jim Henderson on their site visit to Valneva recently.
Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I know everyone at Valneva is extremely proud to have been selected to take part in this important programme.
“West Lothian has a strong life science, technology, engineering and manufacturing sector which are key contributors to economic growth in the local area. It was fantastic to meet David and his team and to hear about their work and the role they will play in this hugely important programme.”
Local politicians welcomed the investment in the county in these troubling times.
Angela Constance MSP said: “Livingston is very much at the beating heart of Scotland’s life science sector and efforts to produce a vaccine for coronavirus.
“I congratulate Valneva for securing this massive u p f ront i nvestment and it is great news for manufacturing, jobs and the West Lothian economy.
“The increase in the number of researchers working on a vaccine will bolster Scotland’s world leading research sector and hopefully save lives.
“The pandemic has been the biggest challenge of our lifetime and this cutting edge work on the search for a vaccine will give hope across the globe.”
Neil Findlay MSP said: “This is very positive news for West Lothian. The jobs situation at the moment is worrying so these new opportunities are welcome.”
Miles Briggs MSP said: “This is excellent news and a boost to West Lothian’s economy during such a challenging time.
“Not only will this investment support more than 100 jobs, but will also increase the manufacturing capacity of the Covid- 19 vaccine to get Scotland back on track.
“This investment from the UK Government is a prime example of why Scotland is stronger as part of the union.”