The investment is to be pumped into the site near Inchinnan after a global internal competition between facilities owned by US-based biotech giant Life Technologies.

Life Technologies decided to invest the money in the Scottish site due to its “skilled workforce,” allowing it to retain a competitive advantage. The investment is thought to create around 30 jobs instantly, and has been welcomed by the local community.

The group is in negotiations with Scottish Enterprise in order to secure financial support for the expansion.

Chairman and chief executive of Life Technologies Gregory Lucier commented: “We have a skilled workforce in Scotland whose commitment gives us a competitive advantage and allows us to serve our customers with high-quality products.”

“The fact that Life Technologies views Scotland as the ideal place to grow its business is testament to our growing reputation as a key player on an international level,” said Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International.

The group already employs around 500 people at its base near Glasgow. As well as manufacturing chemicals for the production of drugs and for other science-based companies. The site is also Life Technologies’ HQ for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.