FUJIFILM Biotechnologies Launches UK’s Largest Single-Use Biomanufacturing Facility
£400 Million Expansion Strengthens the UK Life Sciences Sector, Enhances Biomanufacturing Capacity, and Supports NHS and Global Pharmaceutical Innovation.
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has officially opened the UK’s largest single-use biomanufacturing facility, representing a £400 million expansion of its North East operations. The 110,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility will support the NHS and pharmaceutical partners in developing and producing innovative medicines and vaccines for conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to prostate cancer and rare diseases.
As part of the expansion, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies also unveiled the Bioprocess Innovation Centre UK (BIC UK), a centre of excellence for process development and one of the largest laboratories of its kind in the country. Combined, the new facilities make the Teesside campus one of the largest biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the UK, with a total footprint of 1.6 million sq. ft.
Strengthening the UK life sciences sector
The investment comes at a critical time, when several high-profile life sciences projects have been scaled back or withdrawn from the UK. FUJIFILM’s expansion signals strong confidence in the UK’s sector and underlines the enduring strength of UK–Japanese trade relations. The site is designed to work closely with FUJIFILM’s sister facility in Toyama, Japan, enabling seamless global technology transfer and alignment.
Toshihisa Iida, Chairman of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, said:
"The opening of our UK expansion enables us to support our partners’ products from early-stage process development to clinical manufacturing – from therapies for ultra-rare diseases to commercial biologics – all from a single, integrated site."
Lars Petersen, President and CEO, added:
"This facility represents the first small- and mid-scale manufacturing site in our global kojoX network, providing our partners with flexibility, scalability, and reliability. It ensures that medicines reach patients in the UK and around the world efficiently and safely."
Advanced capabilities and innovation
The new site is equipped with 2,000 L and 5,000 L single-use bioreactors, offering up to 19,000 L total capacity for small- and mid-scale antibody manufacturing. The facility also incorporates FUJIFILM’s SymphonX™ downstream processing skid, enabling fully integrated downstream unit operations and flexible scaling across multiple processes.
BIC UK complements these capabilities with high-throughput and continuous process development laboratories, doubling the campus’ existing lab footprint and establishing the UK site as a global centre of excellence for biomanufacturing innovation.
Jonathan Haigh, Senior Vice President and Head of UK Site, said:
"Through partnerships with the University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of York, we are building a strong STEM talent pipeline and nurturing the next generation of life science specialists. This expansion strengthens the North East as a leading biomanufacturing hub in the UK and Europe."
Endorsements from government and industry
The opening was attended by Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed. Senior representatives from government and industry, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, Science Minister Lord Vallance, British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom, and Jane Wall, Managing Director of the BioIndustry Association, also provided statements in support of the expansion.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented:
"This investment is a vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best places in the world to develop and manufacture cutting-edge medicines and vaccines. The North East is a hub of innovation, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening our life sciences supply chain."
Dr Zubir Ahmed added:
"This expansion demonstrates the UK’s continued attractiveness for life sciences innovation, supporting medical breakthroughs and delivering therapies that improve patient outcomes."
Jane Wall, Managing Director of the BioIndustry Association, said:
"FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ £400 million investment showcases the North East as a place to build globally competitive biomanufacturing capability. It delivers cutting-edge technology, high-value jobs, and long-term vision for the UK sector."
Sustainable and future-ready
The facility is fully electrified and maximises renewable energy usage, aligning with FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation’s sustainability goals. The UK site now provides enhanced manufacturing capacity, innovation leadership, and talent development, positioning it as a cornerstone of FUJIFILM’s global biomanufacturing network.
With over 960 employees in Teesside and 5,000 globally, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies continues to support both the NHS and international pharmaceutical companies, delivering high-quality biologics and advanced therapies at scale.
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BioFocus Newsroom