A task force set up to try and secure the best possible outcome from the devastating closure of Grimsby’s huge Novartis plant will meet for the first time on Friday.
Local authority and government officials will join site director Ian Johnson and town MP Lia Nici to discuss the situation, as the clock ticks down on the pharmaceutical giant’s 69 years on the South Humber Bank.
A representative from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has also been invited to the Grimsby Town Hall gathering.
The shock announcement came in September 2018, with the Swiss giant changing strategy, stepping away from bulk manufacturing to focus on bespoke treatments.
Grimsby has been a centre of production excellence, with the team highly regarded within the global giant.
If no buyer is found in the coming months the departure will bring a £23 million blow to the economy in wages alone – with nearly 400 people employed and a strong contractor support network too.
While a production schedule remains in place until the year end, April is earmarked for the closure of one of the three core manufacturing units, Building 110, having been extended from an initial December 2019 date.
With enhanced redundancy packages, re-training and support from financial planning to mental health all being delivered, those close to the company describe it as one of the best examples of handling such a difficult situation.
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Role shifts have also been made internally to aid individuals’ CVs, while Novartis has engaged with Jobcentre Plus, Humber LEP, Catch, universities and training providers, as well as North East Lincolnshire Council and the area’s two MPs.
Former Grimsby MP Melanie Onn had called for the group to be established when the decision first emerged from a Basel boardroom.
Of the move, the now deposed town representative said: “I think there are things that are bigger than politics, and when it comes to the local and regional economy, recognising the importance of this site and the number of jobs involved, is just that.
“I am pleased they are meeting. I hope they have made progress in terms of seeking out new potential investors and are trying to be a bit creative with what they are doing. Until we really pushed Novartis, I fel they has been a little bit relaxed about it all.”
Initial interest was shown in the 220-acre site, with return visits from more than one party when it hit the market late last summer. An update is anticipated during the meeting.
It is being touted as a ‘Pharmaceutical Campus’ by national industrial property specialist CBRE, with the core production areas, car parking, sports facilities and adjoining environmental mitigation site and potential expansion land incorporated. The last two plots could be sold off separately.
Mr Johnson has listed options as a sale as a going concern, or to an owner operator/landlord as favoured, with in-house strip and reclaim and third party strip and reclaim contingencies.
Ms Nici said: “I will be there, and it is something new for me as a new MP. We want to make sure we can get some new companies there, and I’m working hard on it from that point of view.”