Croda International has opened a new global biotechnology research and development centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region, marking a major expansion of the specialty chemicals company's advanced research capabilities in the UK.

 

The new laboratories, officially opened on 17 September by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Reindustrialisation Blair McDougall MP, will serve as Croda's global hub for biotechnology research — a platform the company identifies as important to its future growth.

 

The investment will focus on developing next-generation ingredients and technologies for consumer and life sciences markets, with the aim of moving innovations from laboratory research into commercial products for global customers.

 

The new centre is also expected to strengthen links between Croda, universities, industry and government, while supporting future job creation at Sci-Tech Daresbury and across the company's other UK sites.

 

Steve Foots, Croda's Chief Executive, said the decision to invest in the UK reflected the country's scientific and innovation strengths.

 

"Biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in how we deliver sustainable innovation for our customers and create long-term value. We had opportunities to locate this facility in several countries around the world but chose the UK because of the strength of its science base, talent and innovation ecosystem.

 

“At a time when much of the discussion around the European chemicals sector focuses on industrial challenges, Croda's investment highlights the continued opportunities for innovative companies to compete globally through intellectual property, advanced science and R&D-led growth.”

 

One of the technologies being developed at the Daresbury site is KeraBio K31, a biotechnology-derived keratin ingredient designed to help repair damaged hair.

 

Developed by Croda scientists at the facility and now being commercialised with customers globally, KeraBio K31 is an example of how the company is seeking to translate biotechnology research into premium consumer products.

 

The UK government said the investment demonstrates the role of its industrial strategy in supporting biotechnology, skilled employment and exports.

 

Blair McDougall MP said: "Croda’s expansion here in Daresbury is a perfect example of what our Modern Industrial Strategy is designed to support: a global centre of biotech excellence, backing skilled local jobs and keeping Britain at the cutting edge of innovation.

 

“This new facility will help turn world-class British science into exports for global markets, helping attract investment and create high-value jobs across the North West while strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in biotechnology.”

 

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said Croda's decision represented a significant investment in the region's science and innovation ecosystem.

 

“Our region is home to a world-class cluster of science-led companies that are driving growth, creating high-value jobs and developing solutions that can make a real difference to people’s lives.

 

“Croda’s decision to establish its global biotechnology research centre in the Liverpool City Region is a powerful vote of confidence in our science base, our skilled workforce and our wider innovation ecosystem."

 

The Daresbury centre specialises in biotechnology, biocatalysis and synthetic biology, supporting research into sustainable, high-value ingredients for sectors including pharmaceuticals, beauty and agriculture.

 

The facility forms part of Croda's wider UK science and innovation footprint, which also includes sites in East Yorkshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.