Smith & Nephew to stay in Hull

Smith & Nephew has announced it has revised plans to leave Hull after almost 170 years in the city, citing an increase in costs for the decision.

In 2022, the global medical company announced it would move all its Hull-based operations to a new facility in Melton.

However, the company has now revealed it plans to retain some operations at its Hull factory, as well as building the new site in Melton.

Costantino Cagimanolis, senior vice president, advanced wound management operations at Smith & Nephew, said the move would secure the company's "long-term future in the region".

The company said the decision had been made following a significant increase in the cost of the 2022 proposals caused by inflation and supply chain issues.

Manufacturing will now be shared across the two sites, with some finished goods continuing to be made in Hull, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The new Melton facility will focus on intermediates, which are materials used in the production of finished goods, and a major new production line for foam dressings.

Hull will also continue to be the home of the company’s global Advanced Wound Management R&D team and provide office space for global functional teams based locally.

The Hull facility will be updated with detailed work undertaken to assess requirements.

As well as being significant locally, the company is a recognised name both nationally and internationally due to its £10billion market value and being part of the FTSE 100, the UK’s biggest 100 companies.

Smith & Nephew said its level of investment remains unchanged, at more than $100m (around £80m), and the revision was not expected to affect the number of roles at the company.

The firm expects to complete planning for the revised Melton facility in 2025, with operations aiming to begin in 2027.

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