'Sad day' as production ends at antibiotic site
Getty ImagesThe end of production at one of pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) UK factories is a "sad day", a former worker has said.
The site in Ulverston, Cumbria, opened more than 75 years ago and most recently had been producing the antibiotic Zinnat for the Swiss-owned firm Sandoz, although that contract is now ending.
Former mechanical fitter Michael Beck spent a quarter of a century at the plant and told BBC Radio Cumbria its presence had been of great benefit to the area.
GSK said it was "incredibly proud" of the work that had been done at Ulverston and that other processes, such as quality checks, were continuing for the time being.
The firm announced in 2021 that the plant would eventually close as the section of the business it made medicines for had been sold.
About 100 people are still working at the factory as operations wind down.
Mr Beck said: "It's very sad. Very sad for the town, for the people and the business it brings.
"Glaxo did a lot of the town. They're going to miss it [when it eventually closes].
"I was 29 when I started. It was a fabulous company, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the people there. I was treated with respect and felt valued.
"We were the start line - the fermentation. The materials went on to other factories to be turned into medication and tablets."
Getty ImagesDiane Rushton's father, brother and husband all worked at the factory.
She said: "My dad said when it was built everybody thought 'this is going to be the thing', then all of a sudden it's finishing [producing antibiotics].
"If you got in at Glaxo, you were made - good money. There was only really there and [shipbuilding and engineering firm] Vickers [as major employers in the area at the time]."
Site director Phil Wilson said the company would be "leaving a lasting legacy in the town" through a £2m community project donation.
He added: "We are incredibly proud of GSK Ulverston's record of delivering medicines to around two billion patients.
"As operations conclude at the site, we'd like to thank all those who have been a part of GSK Ulverston over the last 75 years.
"In preparation for closure, we've spent a lot of time working with our people to support them on their next steps and committed over £1m to help people pursue careers they'll love.
"It's been truly inspirational watching people embrace new careers with courage and purpose."
Last September, when GSK announced production would come be coming to an end, it acknowledged it had been an "uncertain period" for staff.