Sharp’s new European HQ will be an ‘economic catalyst’ for Rhymney

Rhymney received a major boost this week when it was announced that bio-tech business Sharp Clinical Services will be setting up its new European HQ in Rhymney Valley, which will create more than 70 new jobs.

Sharp UK’s base in Crickhowell is the European hub of the group’s clinical services division and provides global clinical trial services including supplies, drug formulation, manufacturing, packaging, distribution and commercial packaging.

It is presently located in two separate buildings on Elvicta Business Park providing 45,000 sq ft of accommodation which is at full capacity with no room to expand and take on new business.

Frank Lis (right), president of Sharp Clinical Services, said: “We have always felt that a critical part of the services we offer is the expertise of our teams. This new facility will allow us to grow both the Sharp team in Wales to support current business and to expand our clinical services portfolio to new customers, at a larger scale.”

The expansion will enable the company to compete for major clinical and commercial packaging contracts with large pharmaceutical companies.

The initial phase of the project will involve the acquisition and renovation of a 75,000 sq ft facility - part of a 108,000 sq ft space within a 10 acre site providing space for future expansion and potentially further jobs, while the economic impact ‘should not be underestimated’, according to property consultancy JLL, which found the company its new home.

Heather Lawrence, senior surveyor at JLL, said: “To have this prestigious name moving to Rhymney Valley is fantastic news for the region and its economic impact should not be underestimated.

“Sharp Clinical Services is a world leading firm in this sector so we expect other biotech companies to relocate here in time as the company executes its expansion plans.

“We looked at several relocation options for the company but the 107,000 sq ft former Wacker Neuson building was the obvious choice. It’s ideal as it will allow them to grow and future-proof the business, with its sizable footprint and 3.5 acres of expansion land. It’s also a well-connected site, relatively close to the company’s existing base, which allows them to keep their highly skilled employees.

“This level of investment is a huge vote of confidence for the area, and for Wales, which is becoming a real hub for life sciences industries.”