MP for Mid Sussex and Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, has today officially opened Roche Diagnostics’ National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Goddards Green, West Sussex, which delivers critical in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices, including tests for cancer, HIV, heart failure and infectious diseases including COVID-19, across the UK.
To celebrate the formal opening, the Minister, toured the facility and met with several members of the operational team. The Minister also unveiled a ceremonial plaque to mark this occasion and was joined by Geoff Twist, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland.
Roche Diagnostics tests and medical devices are distributed to pathology laboratories, GP surgeries and to patients directly, right across the UK ensuring these critical tests are available to support clinical decision-making and transform the lives of patients. In 2020 alone, 820 million Roche Diagnostics tests were performed to confirm, rule out or manage health conditions in the UK.
The NDC has enabled Roche Diagnostics in the UK to double its operational capacity, while incorporating the newest supply chain technologies and a new warehouse management system. The centre ships on average 2,000 different types of products per day- the equivalent of over half a million individual product items per year.
The NDC has a direct impact on patient care across the UK. It delivers essential diagnostic products, at the right place, the right time and in the right condition, including accommodating the very specific storage requirements for temperature sensitive products.
The NDC employs over 60 people and is serviced by operational teams covering goods receipt, stock replenishment and shipping.
Roche has contributed over £370 million in GDP and created 5,200 jobs across South East England through its direct business activities, supply chain spending and employee spending. This includes 570 jobs on Roche Diagnostics sites.
MP for Mid Sussex and Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:
“I was delighted to formally open Roche Diagnostics’ National Distribution Centre here in Mid Sussex and to see how this impressive facility is providing patients with access to critical diagnostics products, as well as also importantly creating more skilled job opportunities for the area. I would also like to thank the staff at Roche for their wonderful generosity in supporting several charities across Mid Sussex who are working to assist those in the local community impacted by the pandemic.”
Geoff Twist, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland said:
“The National Distribution Centre at Goddards Green represents our continued commitment to the UK diagnostics industry and supporting the NHS to ensure patients have access to our life-changing diagnostic tests and products now and in the future. This new facility features the latest in distribution technology and will be key to growing our operations in the UK. We are also proud to be creating skilled jobs in the local community.”
Allison Brett, Distribution Centre Manager, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland said:
“It was wonderful to have the Minister formally open our new purpose-built National Distribution Centre (NDC) and meet some of our exceptional team members. I am extremely proud of the role our centre has played in supporting the NHS throughout the pandemic and we will continue to work tirelessly to support the NHS and patients during this challenging period and beyond.”
About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to
improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, as well as
growing capabilities in the area of data-driven medical insights help Roche deliver truly
personalised healthcare. Roche is working with partners across the healthcare sector to provide
the best care for each person.
Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology,
immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system.
Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a
frontrunner in diabetes management. In recent years, the company has invested in genomic
profiling and real-world data partnerships and has become an industry-leading partner for medical
insights.
Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat
diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve
patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty
medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organisation Model Lists of
Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines.
Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most
sustainable companies in the pharmaceutical industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
(DJSI).