Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) invested £1.8m to create a new warehouse at BASF Pharma (Callanish) Ltd in Breasclete to enable the firm to grow its operations. The site is BASF’s largest production facility in the UK.

The 550m2 facility was built by Lewis Builders at the site in Breasclete, which is owned by HIE.

Around eighty people are employed at the factory including a team of skilled experts producing highly purified omega 3 extracts as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Using patented processing technology and sustainable fish oil supplies, the products are used in pharmaceutical and dietary supplements, most of which are exported around the world.

As the company expands its operations over the coming years, it is expected to create more high skilled jobs.

Joanna Peteranna, area manager for HIE’s Outer Hebrides team visited BASF during the opening in September, along with HIE’s deputy chief executive, Carroll Buxton.

Joanna Peteranna said: “We’re really pleased to see this warehouse open. The company has already achieved a great deal in Lewis, developing a highly successful scientific business providing well paid employment and trading internationally from an island location.

“We’re delighted to have played a key role in enabling this latest investment to strengthen the business further and secure jobs on the west side of Lewis. It’s great that BASF have an operation in Lewis and we are pleased that this in turn gives them the opportunity to contribute to the island’s economy and communities.”

Angus Morrison, site manager for BASF Pharma (Callanish) Ltd, added: “The opening marked another significant milestone in the development of our site here in Callanish. We are highly appreciative of the support HIE have provided us over the years. The addition of this new warehouse will enable us to meet increasing market demand and continue to provide opportunities for the local community.”