New jobs are to be created after a multi-million pound investment in a biotech research facility was announced.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is to invest £2m in Holiferm, which develops and produces environmentally friendly biosurfactants that are used in a variety of products, including shampoos, surface cleaners, hand cleansers and cosmetics.
The firm's gravity-based separation technology, which was first developed at the University of Manchester, uses fermentation to create the substance in a similar way to how beer is brewed.
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The yeast used in the process is derived from honey, it is combined with rapeseed oil and glucose, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
GMCA’s investment in Holiferm will enable the creation of 45 roles as well as create 15 back office staff roles at its research lab in Trafford Park.
The jobs will support research into improving and developing its manufacturing process, which takes place at Holiferm’s production site in Wallasey.
Cllr David Molyneux, GMCA lead for resources and investment, said: "This investment will help generate a number of high-quality jobs for people in our city-region as well as boost our local economy.
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"The research undertaken at Holiferm in Trafford will also support the North West in becoming carbon neutral and more energy efficient.
"We want Greater Manchester businesses to grow and thrive, to provide well-paid, secure jobs for our residents and to attract investment to our city-region. For that to happen, it is essential we invest in organisations to help them grow and support our ambitions."
Mariane Gaio, people and culture manager for Holiferm, added: "GMCA’s investment in Holiferm allows us to push forward in developing new processes using our innovative technology.
"This will lead to a greater range of products at a more affordable cost point. This is important, as in order to convince the major manufacturers to swap to biosurfactants we need to show them that they are cost effective too.
"The investment also allows us to scale up our work force, both in the laboratory and the office. By hiring the right people for the right jobs we make sure that everyone has a voice, can contribute to and is invested in the continued success of the company."