Sanofi-aventis calls on regeneration expert for Dagenham siteSanofi-aventis has recruited a highly acclaimed regeneration expert as it seeks to secure a long-term future for its Dagenham manufacturing site. The move follows the recent announcement by the pharmaceutical company that it will cease production at the site by 2013 following a significant decline in demand for medicines produced at Dagenham. Sanofi-aventis has now begun working with SOG Ltd, a privately run company that has transformed a former ICI headquarters in Cheshire into a thriving and internationally recognised business and science park. Under SOG, the 60-acre location has become home to more than 175 separate businesses and provides work for 2,000 people. Mark Bass, sanofi-aventis Land Development and Partnership Leader, said: “With such a proud tradition in Dagenham, we wish to do everything we can to secure a long-term future for this site. Our decision to close the facility was forced upon us because of a continued strong decline in demand, making it economically unsustainable. “However it is not our intention to simply walk away from Dagenham. We have been a focal part of this community over many years and we are looking to secure a legacy that will continue to provide valuable benefits for the local community for generations to come. “SOG Ltd has been praised by Prime Ministers and business leaders alike for the way it turned around an ailing chemicals plant in the North West. We are working with them to consider options for the sanofi-aventis site and to see whether their business model could now be adapted as part of a similar turnaround in Dagenham. At this stage nothing is being ruled out for the location.” Sanofi-aventis’s management team is also undertaking a detailed consultation process as part of its efforts to secure a future role for the Dagenham site. Organisations and individuals that are being canvassed include political leaders, local authorities, chambers of commerce, sporting organisations, community groups and local residents. SOG Ltd’s Cheshire facility – The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn – has become home to companies representing more than 20 business sectors and provides its residents with on-site facilities as diverse as a conference centre, meeting rooms, laboratory services, health and safety training, shops and gym. Dr Peter Cook, SOG Ltd’s Managing Director, said: “In common with the former ICI plant in Runcorn, the sanofi-aventis site has played a key role within its local community for generations. Having shown in Runcorn that it’s possible to transform an ailing – and unwanted – science facility into a thriving business park we welcome the opportunity to investigate whether our experience and expertise might also be useful in Dagenham.” About sanofi-aventis Sanofi-aventis, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, has been associated with Dagenham for 75 years through its manufacturing centre where life-saving medicines, including oncology drugs for treatment of various cancers, are distributed to over 80 countries worldwide. Sanofi-aventis’ global headquarters are in Paris with UK headquarters in Guildford, Surrey. For further information please contact: Sanofi-aventis – Dagenham: Mark Bass, Land Development and Partnership Leader, Tel: 0208 919 3290; e-mail: mark.bass@sanofi-aventis.com 11 February 2010 |