Merit, a UK-based industrialised construction and digital manufacturing specialist, has installed key prefabricated components at the new NHS Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC) at Seaton Delaval.
Key prefabricated components include four Air Handling Unit (AHU) PODs, seven Header Pre-Assembled Modules (PAMs) and eight Lid PAMs, transported from Merit’s smart factory in Cramlington.
Using a 150-tonne crane, these large-scale elements were lifted through the roof of the developing facility and secured into position on the first floor.
This latest achievement marks a crucial point in the construction timeline, as the integration of off-site-manufactured components continues at pace.
The milestone follows Merit’s appointment in October 2024 by the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative to design and fit-out the multimillion-pound NHS Medicines Manufacturing Centre.
Delivered in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the MMC is being developed within the trust’s Manufacturing & Innovation Hub in Seaton Delaval.
Once operational, the Medicines Manufacturing Centre will play a pivotal role in regional healthcare provision, producing chemotherapy treatments and injectable medicines to support hospitals across North East and North Cumbria.
With the capability to deliver up to one million doses of medication each year, the new facility is expected to make a substantial contribution to regional aseptic services and generate around 150 new jobs.
The completed MMC will house state-of-the-art Grade B and Grade C cleanrooms, dedicated production areas, Quality Control (QC) laboratories, and administrative and welfare facilities.
Tony Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Merit, said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication. We are proud to contribute to a project that will enhance healthcare delivery across our region and create valuable employment opportunities. As work progresses, we remain committed to harnessing innovative offsite manufacturing techniques to ensure timely and efficient delivery.”
Marc Sutton, Managing Director of the Medicines Manufacturing Centre, added: “The Medicines Manufacturing Centre represents a transformative investment in the health and prosperity of the North East and North Cumbria. By producing vital chemotherapy and injectable treatments locally, we are strengthening the region’s healthcare resilience while creating high-quality jobs and driving innovation in advanced manufacturing. This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering a world-class facility that will serve our communities for years to come.”
The Medicines Manufacturing Centre represents a major step forward in strengthening the North East and North Cumbria’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the region is well-equipped to meet rising healthcare demands in the years ahead.
Top image: components being delivered