Syngenta invests £50m in new Huddersfield production line

Global science company Syngenta is investing around £50m in its Huddersfield manufacturing site, securing jobs for the future.

The company is redesigning one of its large-scale production lines to make Plinazolin, an insecticide that protects crops.

An existing manufacturing plant will be converted into an advanced production facility for the insecticide, which will be sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.

The product has already entered key markets in South America, where pests can seriously threaten crop yields.

The Huddersfield site was specifically chosen by Syngenta for its ability to make important stages of the active ingredient in Plinazolin.

The technology offers a new standard of performance, especially against pests for which existing products no longer provide effective control.

The broad spectrum insecticide is Syngenta’s fastest growing product to date due to its versatility and effectiveness in controlling a range of pests on a wide variety of crops.

Site manager Pete Waddington said: “In addition to our existing product portfolio, manufacturing key active ingredients here in Huddersfield means we can secure jobs for the future and help growers fight crop pests using the next generation of technologies more durable.

“It also confirms our strong commitment to investing in innovation and jobs in the UK.

“Making this new technology for farmers is the result of our continued commitment to invest in the long-term development of innovative and effective solutions that increase crop productivity in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.”

Recent economic data from KADA Research, the UK and international economic development consultancy, revealed that job growth on the site bucked the regional trend, with growth of 14% over the past five years, against a decline in manufacturing across regional.

The Huddersfield firm has been providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) apprenticeships for more than a decade and this new investment presents future career opportunities for the aspiring chemists, engineers and manufacturing technicians of tomorrow.

Syngenta’s Huddersfield operations contribute £140m to the Kirklees economy and the company has invested heavily in plant expansion projects in recent years to meet customer demand.

The Huddersfield site remains a key strategic asset for the company and the site is well placed for further investment as the company aims to bring new advanced and sustainable chemical solutions to global agricultural markets.

Waddington added: “We have an exciting future as part of the Syngenta family, making important products that help secure our food supply.

“The company is always evaluating potential investment projects in the UK and we are working hard to deliver Plinazolin and ensure continued investment in the Huddersfield operations.

“We have the skills and knowledge in Huddersfield to deliver a fast-paced supply chain. With Syngenta’s continued investment in assets and people, we also have the ability to respond quickly to customer needs.”