That the Parliament congratulates GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on celebrating its 50th year of manufacturing at its site in Irvine; acknowledges that GSK is a global biopharma company, which opened its doors in Irvine in 1973 under the name of Beecham’s to produce penicillin G (penG); notes the success of penG, which led to an expansion to double the capacity three years later in 1976, and now primarily produces potassium clavulanate, which is sold under the brand name Augmentin and is used in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis and skin infections; understands that the company has merged twice in its 50-year lifespan, the first time in 1989 with SmithKline Beckham to form SmithKline Beecham Plc, and second in 2000 with Glaxo Wellcome to created GSK; appreciates that GSK is, it considers, committed to a net zero, nature-positive, healthier planet, with ambitious goals set for 2030 and 2045, which has seen its sustainability programme erect four wind turbines and 56 acres of solar panels; acknowledges that the plant is a major employer in Irvine, with 266 employees and 14 apprentices; congratulates GSK on its 50th anniversary in Irvine, and wishes it and its employees every success for the future.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Bob Doris, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Ivan McKee, Stuart McMillan, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Sue Webber