A major public and private cash injection will support jobs at a life science outfit with a sizeable presence in East Lancs.

Government science chiefs and bosses at Kindeva, which has a plant in Clitheroe, have pledged a joint £33m investment as part of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's "Life Sci for Growth" initiative.

The firm has confirmed the package should secure 218 jobs at their premises off Taylor Street, and a sister site in Loughborough - and generate 40 extra positions.

Formerly known as 3M, Kindeva specialises in drug delivery devices and manufactured therapies to treat patients battling a host of debilitating and chronic diseases, including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular conditions.

David Stevens, their global chief commercial officer, said: "This joint investment creates a myriad of new opportunities for colleagues within the UK, as significant technical and regulatory expertise is required in the development and manufacturing of complex inhalation pharmaceutical products.

“Furthermore, it provides Kindeva with a springboard to expand our capabilities and capacity, while simultaneously partnering with the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world to bring the next generation of green inhalers to market, with a common goal of safeguarding access to necessary therapies for our patients and also reducing our impact on the planet.”

Science minister George Freeman said: "Our £94bn life science sector is one of our great industries - based on a deep long-term partnership between industry, investors, government, the NHS and disease charities - supporting us all to live healthier lives and providing over 250,000 high-skilled jobs in research and development clusters all around the UK.

“It is also driving billions of pounds worth of direct investment into the UK, something this government is determined to capitalise on through our global leadership via the Oxford Covid vaccine and NHS Recovery trial.

“The pace of new technology is transforming the sector and today’s investments signal our commitment to domestic manufacturing and skills enhancement, to deliver a robust future for UK life sciences that will not only play a key role in the country’s future economic success, but in improving our health as well.”

Health minister Will Quince added: "The pandemic demonstrated the importance of investing in our ability to manufacture medicines in the UK, and of upskilling staff in the sector, so we can respond rapidly to health emergencies. This investment in low-carbon inhalers will also help the NHS meet its net zero ambition.

“Life sciences is a key growth area and one of the UK’s most successful sectors and this is another example of how we are partnering with industry to supercharge manufacturing and research, supporting thousands of high-value jobs and enabling patients to benefit from the latest innovations.”