James Wild MP visits King’s Lynn business Recipharm making over 1 million inhaler valves everyday
Recipharm’s King’s Lynn site is a global market leader in the design, development and manufacturing of valves and components for inhalers for respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Making over a million valves a day and producing almost 50% of global inhaler valves yearly, Recipharm King’s Lynn site is the second largest employer locally.
To learn more about the site’s development, manufacturing successes, and career opportunities, James Wild MP for North West Norfolk recently visited and met the Head of Business, Site Director, and Manufacturing Manager.
James started the visit by hearing more about the importance of the Lynn site to Recipharm with over 1000 employees manufacturing products for global pharmaceutical companies. The company offers local opportunities in design, engineering, manufacturing and testing, alongside apprenticeships in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
Opening in 1959, Recipharm initially focused on cosmetic and consumer products before transitioning to become a leading global manufacturing company for respiratory inhalers. Originally based in just one building, Recipharm has since expanded their King’s Lynn site over eight buildings.
During James’ visit, he toured the manufacturing facilities to see the process of developing the highly specialised valves for inhalers, alongside the process to design and mould plastic components in action. These valves are then transported to pharmaceutical customers all over the world - including Recipharm’s second UK based site in Cheshire - to be used in the production of inhalers. Annually, well over 5 billion plastic components are moulded and assembled for global use from Lynn.
While touring the manufacturing facilities, James saw the manufacturing process of valves and plastic components for a range of inhaler models – viewing the production lines in action and meeting constituents who work at the site. James saw the production from singular components to fully assembled inhalers ready for shipment.
Whilst speaking to the Head of Business, Chris Hirst, and Site Director Darren Hodkinson, James discussed future growth opportunities for the company including through innovative nasal devices for potential use in vaccine administration as well as the importance Recipharm places on sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The site was judged to be in the top 5% of all companies assessed by sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis across a wide range of industries in 2023.
Commenting on the visit, James said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Recipharm to learn more about the international markets served from Lynn and its role in producing 50% of the inhalers used globally.
“There are exciting opportunities for the company to grow by developing new technologies.
“As one of the largest employers locally, Recipharm offers great career opportunities, including for apprentices, in STEM and manufacturing.”
James also spoke about his priorities in North West Norfolk such as raising aspiration levels of young people and building further connections between businesses and schools to help achieve this. Recipharm has developed connections to local schools such as through offering tours, recruiting apprentices locally, and sponsoring local engineering projects.
Darren Hodkinson, Site Director for Recipharm King’s Lynn, commented:
“It was a pleasure to welcome James and discuss the opportunities we have to grow the site through innovation in new technologies to help patients breathe. We are proud of our quality and safety record as well as our recent awards for sustainability at the site, and we recognise the contribution of our employees in achieving this success. We look forward to being part of Lynn’s economic growth for years to come.”
