PPD Expansion Takes Its Occupation of Strathclyde Business Park to 80,000 sq ft

Leading global contract research organisation PPD Inc. is to take up further office space at Strathclyde Business Park (SBP) to facilitate their continued expansion.

The company - which provides discovery, development and post-approval services, as well as compound partnering programs - has been experiencing a rapid level of growth and now require a further office building within SBP.

HFD, the Park Developer, have agreed to construct a further 34,000 sq ft Grade A bespoke office building, to be situated alongside the recently completed Fleming House. This will increase PPD's presence on the Park to over 80,000 sq ft.

PPD currently employs more than 350 professionals in Scotland and its expansion within Strathclyde Business Park will create an additional 390 jobs to meet the increasing need for its drug development services.

The company - which is one of of the top three contract research organisations in the world - relocated its entire Scottish operations to SBP in early 2007, and the business park has proved to be the ideal location for PPD to expand and develop its business in Scotland.

Construction work on Cawdor House is now underway and contractor Dawn Construction have indicated that the building will be due for completion in the summer of 2008.

William Hill - managing director of HF Developments, owner of Strathclyde Business Park - said: “We are delighted to be able to provide PPD with a new custom-built office to meet the needs of their ever expanding workforce. It was only seven months ago that the company expanded into Fleming House, its first UK centre of excellence.

“One of the benefits for any business moving to SBP is the Park's ability to continue to provide accommodation as their businesses develop. PPD relocated to SBP just over two years ago and it has outgrown its office space several times. We are delighted to be able to accommodate the company's needs and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them.”

Strathclyde Business Park has invested in a host of new services and amenities for its 5,500 strong workforce.

Recent investment has included the £6.2 million upgrading of the existing road infrastructure, the introduction of Project ATLAS, a new pilot scheme to upgrade the technology infrastructure for Scottish businesses, and the construction of several new buildings.

William continued: “Our world-class infrastructure, enviable working environment, prime central location and commitment to meeting our tenants needs will ensure we remain Scotland's leading business location.”

Ends

Notes to Editors: Strathclyde Business Park

Strathclyde Business Park is owned by HF Developments.  Well established as one of Scotland's most successful business locations, it is situated in 155 acres of mature parkland near Bellshill, Lanarkshire. The Park provides over 1.4 million sq ft / 130,060 sq m of business and lifestyle space to some of Scotland’s top companies, including Scottish Power, Virgin Media, Woolwich Plc, Camelot, and William Grants Distillers. Over 6,000 people are currently employed at the Park.

The site Masterplan provides for a further 500,000 sq ft / 46,450 sq m of accommodation, which will bring an anticipated 4,000 extra jobs to the Park. Located in the heart of the Central Belt, the Park is minutes from the M8, M74 and M80, providing excellent access across Scotland and further afield.

For more information on the Park, and its location, accommodation, facilities and amenities, please visit our website: www.strathclydebusinesspark.com