Northumberland construction firm commences work on “pioneering” Moderna facility

Northumberland based Merit, an industrialised construction and manufacturing specialist focused on delivering “disruptive innovation and productivity growth”, has today announced the start of work on the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

The MITC will encompass research, development, and a manufacturing facility, which aims to provide increased access to mRNA vaccines for a wide range of respiratory diseases, pending independent regulatory assessment and licensure.

The contract follows a run of major project wins and completions, including the UK’s first CAR-T cell gene therapy manufacturing facility for Autolus Therapeutics and Piramal’s Antibody Drug Conjugate manufacturing facility.

Tony Wells, CEO at Merit, commented: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with yet another leading global biotechnology company. Our innovative approach and product-based solution will deliver the project at speed, leveraging the efficiencies and improved productivity.

“Technically complex projects of this size and scale are always exciting, they also act as a testament to the reputation of Merit and the excellence of what we deliver. This is the future of construction in action, bringing enormous advantages in terms of quality and speed and, in turn, playing a role in delivering vital vaccines to the UK public.”

The North East business recently announced a 44,000 sq ft factory expansion at its Cramlington site, which will see it add over 50 new jobs to its workforce.

As well as expanding its own real estate square footage, Merit is leveraging its vertically integrated and innovative product-based approach to meet industry demand for sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-quality solutions which can be delivered at speed.

Darius Hughes, UK general manager at Moderna, added: “We look forward to continuing our collaboration throughout construction of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre, and beyond, to bring innovative vaccines to the UK public to help protect against emerging respiratory health threats.”

A ground breaking ceremony was attended by Health Minister Maria Caulfield, CEO of the UK Health Security Agency Dame Jenny Harries, local community leaders and representatives from the UK’s health resilience and life sciences community.

The Moderna investment will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation. The Drug Substance and Manufacturing facility will be fitted out by Birmingham based engineering firm IPS and is expected to become operational in 2025.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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