Opening of new AZ plant

AstraZeneca reinforced its long-standing commitment to Macclesfield with the opening of its newest facility at the global manufacturing site by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Pascal Soriot, on Thursday.

The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is the result of a £120 million investment that will produce innovative cancer medicines, which will be distributed from Macclesfield for patients around the world.

Unveiling the plaque on the new building, Mr Soriot said: “Macclesfield plays an important role in AstraZeneca’s global operations as our second largest site, with expertise in producing complex and life-saving cancer medicines. I am delighted to open this new addition to our plant, which will allow us to increase production to meet the needs of patients around the world.”

During his visit, Mr Soriot also took the opportunity to meet some of the 3,000 employees based at Macclesfield, including the scientists who develop new medicines, the IT team and some of the company’s apprentices and graduates.