By Laura Knowlson
GLOBAL medical technology business Smith & Nephew is closing its York facility after more than 20 years in the city with the relocation of 80 jobs.
Staff have been told the firm creating a new UK Commercial Hub near London, which will lead to the closure of the York site by the end of 2016.
While changes are not set to happen immediately, staff have been told that over time their roles will move to other facilities including an existing site in Hull, the US and the new Hub.
Smith & Nephew first moved to York in 1992, and was the first resident on York Science Park, taking an 83,000sq ft building near to the University of York.
The company said following a review of all UK sites, and as a result of the lease on the York site due to end in 2017, it has chosen the area “immediately north of London” for its new Hub due to its “excellent transport links within the UK and internationally”.
In a letter to employees, the company said: “We are close to finalising our search for the property and will announce this in the near future.”
