Gateshead-based engineering specialist WHP has signed a partnership agreement with ADC Biotechnology to construct an anti-cancer drug manufacturing facility in Deeside.

BQ report, as the construction partner for ADC Bio, WHP will play a significant role in designing, planning and building the facilities needed to develop the latest generation of anti-cancer blockbuster drugs, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).

Phase one of work commences immediately for a purpose built, dual stream facility, which will occupy approximately 60% of ADC Bio’s newly acquired, 6,500m2 space in Deeside. Planned to be operational in September 2018, the facility will serve clinical and small scale, commercial production. Further construction activity is planned post January 2019 as the ADC Bio continues its expansion and adds more capacity for large scale clinical, commercial and potential dosage form production.

Ian Lichfield, CEO of WHP, said “These are exciting times for ADC Bio and WHP is thrilled to be supporting such a significant development milestone that will contribute ground-breaking solutions to human medicine. Our successful collaborations with Biotechnology companies and the wider Pharmaceuticals industry creates synergies with ADC Bio and adds value to the construction project. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with ADC Bio as the first stage of construction progresses to a second planned phase in 2019 in line with their strategy for expansion.”

Charlie Johnson, CEO of ADC Bio, said “We’re delighted to have forged this agreement with WHP. We specifically selected them as we found that their established reputation and industry recognition for high-quality design and construction of integrated systems and cleanroom technology – specifically within the Biotechnology sector – made them the best fit for our needs. We look forward to a long-term relationship with them as we plan ahead and increase both capacity and our down-stream capabilities to meet the sector’s significant growth forecasts.”