The South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust intends to build the new facility to bring together 85 employees currently working in three sites in Torbay, with the potential for a further 70 jobs to be created as operations expand in the coming years.

Jim Durkin, project manager, said: “This project brings very significant benefits to the Bay.” The three already existing medical units, which are based in Paignton, South Devon, supply 200 types of sterilised liquid medicines to 1,400 clients in the UK and Europe, including the NHS.

The new site is expected to allow for the development of a greater range of products. It is hoped the plant will also contribute to the retention and expansion of skills in Torbay.

The new building will initially create space for about 100 employees, with the possibility to further expand the premises to meet the planned increase in production.