Leading global healthcare company SSL International plc ("SSL") has announced a new £12 million factory development at Peterlee, County Durham, creating 150 local jobs.

The new development, scheduled to become operational mid 2001, will keep pace with planned growth and future product acquisitions for the Cheshire-based SSL group.

The company, best known for its global consumer healthcare brands Durex condoms and Scholl footcare and footwear, is expanding organically and by acquisition, with many well-known over-the-counter medicine brands to its name.

Work on the new site is expected to begin this summer, aided by a grant of up to £2.4 million from the Department of Trade and Industry. Purpose-built as a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, it will incorporate leading-edge production facilities to maximise efficiencies and volume capabilities.

SSL Technical Director Graham Collyer said: "Peterlee gives us a greenfield site on which to build a high-tech cost-efficient factory that gives us potential for future growth as we acquire new product brands.

"Our decision to invest in the North East was facilitated by advice and assistance from County Durham Development Company and a number of other regional partners, including One NorthEast. We are extremely grateful for their sound advice and look forward to working with them in the future."

SSL International plc currently has a number of other UK manufacturing sites, with offices and group headquarters in Knutsford, Cheshire. The expanding group also has overseas subsidiaries covering world-wide sales, with other manufacturing facilities in Thailand, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, North America, India, China and Argentina.

Ken Frankish, CDDC's Managing Director, said: "SSL International's arrival is fantastic news for County Durham. They are a global player, bringing high quality manufacturing jobs to the region.

"The growing number of companies relocating to County Durham proves that there are huge benefits to be had here for businesses of every size. The support which CDDC gives these companies before, during and after their relocation helps underpin the County's economic regeneration."

Enquiries:
SSL International plc:

Graham Collyer, Technical Director 0161 652 2222
Square Mile communications (Louise Robson or Susan Ellis) 020 7601 1000


CDDC:
Robson Brown Public Relations (Frances Joynson or Rob Smith) 0191 232 2443