Pfizer opens cold storage facility in Havant

Pfizer has officially opened its new cutting-edge cold storage facility in Havant, following a seven million pound investment.

Science minister David Willetts was present at the launch of the new site, which specialises in cold chain packaging and supply, helping the company to supply temperature-sensitive vaccines and injectable medicines to more than 120 global destinations.

It becomes one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe and will be used to store up to 38.4 million drug doses, while its vaccines packaging line is thought to be the fastest complex syringe packaging line in the world.

Mr Willetts said the opening of the new site underlines the strength of the UK's life science industry, as well as Pfizer's ongoing commitment to its British operations.

Jon Tucker, site lead at Pfizer's Havant facility, said: "Providing medicines that improve and save lives is something that the entire team here at Havant is proud to be a part of."

The company remains on the lookout for potential buyers for its research facility in Sandwich, Kent, with the aim of preserving jobs at the site.