“The government has provided 1.8 billion forints (EUR 5.38 million) in funding towards GlaxoSmithKline’s 18 billion-forint (EUR 53.8 million) development project in Gödöllő”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said at the official opening of GSK’s new vaccine production plant in Gödöllő on Tuesday.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister spoke about the fact that it is always an honour for Hungary when the global frontrunner of a given field gives its vote of confidence to the Hungarian investment environment and the professional skill of Hungarian workers. He added that GSK is the world’s sixth largest pharmaceutical company, and its latest development project in Gödöllő is creating 104 workplaces that represent high added value. “The company will be producing the components of its diphtheria and tetanus inoculations at the new pharmaceutical production unit, thus contributing to preserving the health of many babies and small children”, the Minister added.

Mr. Szijjártó reminded those present that the pharmaceutical company has been a strategic partner to the Hungarian government since 2014, which may have contributed to the fact that Hungary did well in the competition for development projects among the global corporation’s production units. He added that the company has 87 production locations in 35 countries, which indicates that there were at least another 35 countries competing for this investment. Managing Director of GSK Biologicals Ltd. Christopher Hunley said the newly opened development project is a milestone that reinforces the strategic role of the Gödöllő plant within the GSK network.

He added that production at the production unit in Gödöllő is also occurring at world class quality and according to the highest international standards, and that behind the increase in capacity lies an outstanding ratio of added value. “In future, GSK will be able to produce all of its Diphtheria Toxoid and Tetanus Toxoid products in one place, in Gödöllő, which will result in the simplification and increased efficiency of vaccine production processes”, the Managing Director added.

British Ambassador to Hungary Iain Lindsay said that as one of the largest British investors in Hungary, GSK is also continuously working on affording as large a proportion of the population as possible access to innovative therapies and vaccines, thus contributing to preserving the health of more and more people, and particularly babies and children.

(MTI)