Welsh Government Ministers visited Wrexham-based Wockhardt today to praise the workforce’s crucial role in manufacturing the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which is playing a major part in Wales’ highly successful COVID-19 vaccine programme.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, who has Cabinet-level responsibility for science in the Welsh Government, joined Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, on a visit to the Wrexham site to see the vaccine being manufactured first-hand.
Wockhardt is manufacturing the Astra Zeneca vaccine for use across the UK.
The company currently employs around 500 staff in Wrexham. It is the fourth largest generic pharmaceutical company in the UK and Ireland.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
“It’s great to be in Wrexham today to see this truly life-saving vaccine being manufactured here in Wales. I’m particularly pleased to have the opportunity to personally thank the company and its committed workforce for the vital role they’re playing in supporting the rollout of the vaccine across Wales and the rest of the UK. This really is a fantastic contribution to tackling this once-in-a-generation pandemic.
“The Welsh Government is committed to supporting the Life Sciences sector in Wales to grow. Wockhardt’s continued presence here will play a crucial role in helping us realise our ambition.”
Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, said:
“I’m immensely proud the Astra Zeneca vaccine is being manufactured right here in North Wales. When the call came, Wockhardt and its workforce stepped up to help.
“I’m pleased to see a leading global company like Wockhardt based here in North Wales and playing a key role in helping protect and save lives during the pandemic.”