Leading life sciences company reaffirms commitment to Keele after securing government funding
A leading life sciences manufacturing company based on Keele’s Science and Innovation Park is expanding its headquarters and manufacturing operations after securing major government funding.
Biocomposites, which has been based on Keele’s Science and Innovation Park since 2004, has been awarded £1.7m from the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, which it will use to expand its manufacturing facilities on campus for developing medical technologies using innovative ceramic-based materials.
The expansion will help the company increase the production of its flagship STIMULAN product, which will help to both grow and safeguard highly skilled jobs in North Staffordshire and boost the local economy.
Biocomposites has become an integral part of the Keele community since setting up its headquarters on the campus over 20 years ago, from sponsoring awards and hiring Keele students through its graduate scheme, to collaborating with Keele researchers and using campus facilities.
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.”
Stephen Liptrot, Group Operations Director at Biocomposites, added: “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.”
