The IMMULITE Centre of Excellence for Immunoassay and Allergen Diagnostics, located on a 36-acre site in Gwynedd, represents the culmination of a multi-million-pound investment supported by the Welsh Government. The development secures more than 400 existing jobs and creates a further 100 highly skilled roles, alongside a new on-site training hub serving North West Europe.

At the core of the expansion is a dedicated critical raw materials facility, designed to ensure a stable global supply of essential components used in immunoassay production, including conjugated antibodies and allergens. The site’s expanded instrument-manufacturing capability will act as the worldwide production base for Siemens Healthineers’ IMMULITE blood analysis system, which is used in more than 50 countries for tests relating to allergies, fertility and thyroid disorders.

The company has also strengthened its research and development operations in Llanberis, with teams now working on the next generation of immunoassay and allergy diagnostics. The enhanced R&D programme is expected to support laboratories internationally by enabling a wider range of routine and specialist blood tests.

As part of the launch, Siemens Healthineers has introduced nine new allergen tests, targeting sensitivities to substances such as peanuts, wheat and dust mites. The company says the new assays are the first in a forthcoming suite of faster and more precise diagnostic tools aimed at improving clinical decision-making.

Recruitment for the new roles is under way both within the UK and overseas. Positions include scientists and engineers with qualifications ranging from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs in disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and electrical or mechanical engineering. The Llanberis site also maintains partnerships with universities in Bangor, Swansea and Cardiff, as well as local schools and colleges, to offer internships, apprenticeships and STEM programmes. Employees and clinicians will have access to both internal and external training initiatives.

Welsh Government support has been central to securing the investment, aligning with its priorities to strengthen skills, create high-quality employment and develop sustainable advanced-manufacturing capacity.

Speaking at the opening, the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: ‘I welcome the opening of the Centre of Excellence and the long-term commitment of Siemens Healthineers to Llanberis, which will secure hundreds of high-quality jobs in the area. This is exactly the type of investment we want in Wales, especially in an area not traditionally associated with large-scale manufacturing. I cannot overstate how important it is to so many people in the community that these highly skilled, well-paid jobs are supported. We successfully secured this centre despite strong international competition, thanks to the vital support of the Welsh Government, which played a key role in turning this investment opportunity into a reality. This provides economic security for the future for many people in this part of north-west Wales.’

Annette Crowley-Luke, managing director of Siemens Healthineers Diagnostics Llanberis, added: ‘Llanberis has been a cornerstone of our global diagnostics operations for more than 30 years and today marks an exciting new chapter. This Centre of Excellence equips our teams with the facilities, the technology and the training to innovate faster and deliver better care – for our local community and for patients around the world.’