Smith+Nephew to leave Hull home for new £80m facility

An artist’s impression of the new Smith+Nephew site

By Rick Lyon

Global medical technology business Smith+Nephew is to leave its Hull home to move to a new £80m facility on the outskirts of the city, it was announced this afternoon.

Smith+Nephew - which was founded in the city in 1856 - is relocating to Melton, in the East Riding, eight miles away.

The company, which employs around 800 people at its current Hessle Road site, is building a new state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility for its Advanced Wound Management division at the Melton West business park.

Simon Fraser, President of Advanced Wound Management at Smith+Nephew, said: “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to building our leadership in Advanced Wound Management.

“Our vision is for a world-class working environment that encourages innovation and collaboration to deliver next-generation products that improve the standard of care for the NHS and customers around the world.

“Smith+Nephew was founded in Hull in 1856 and we are proud to make this major investment in the region for future generations.”

The new development is being supported by government grant funding.

Lord Kamall, Minister for Innovation, said: “Life sciences are crucial to transforming our health service and ensure the NHS is able to deliver world-class care. Coupled with health research, it has been vital in our fight against Covid and in saving thousands of lives through the rapid creation of vaccines and identifying life-saving treatments like dexamethasone. 

“Smith+Nephew’s new R&D base will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences and innovative research, levelling up the health of our nation, tackling disparities and saving lives.”

However, today’s announcement was met with disappointment by Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, who said: “I am disappointed that Smith+Nephew will be leaving the Hull site, which is the birthplace of the company. I know how hard everyone has worked to try and keep Smith+Nephew in Hull and, when that proved impossible, keep them as near as possible.

“With the rising cost of living, the priority now must be to protect all jobs and I will continue to work with the unions and Smith+Nephew to try to achieve this and to have a positive future for the Hull site.”

Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Hull-based Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Melton West, said: “We are delighted the strategic, long-term investments we have made in the infrastructure at Melton West business park have enabled Smith+Nephew to stay within the region and make such a huge investment in a state-of-the-art new facility.

“Smith+Nephew is one of the region’s leading employers, with a proud local history and heritage. This investment will open an exciting new chapter in that story.”

The new site is expected to open in 2024.