Council celebrates world first green inhaler manufacturer

Cheshire East Council has launched its new ‘Made in Cheshire East’ initiative with a visit to a Holmes Chapel–based business that’s manufacturing a world-first product in respiratory care.

The council’s new Made in Cheshire East programme recognises the innovation, skills and ambition that exist across the borough and aims to promote it as an excellent place to start, grow and sustain a business.

On 2 April, the leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, councillors Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman, toured Bespak’s London Road headquarters, recognising the company’s pioneering role in the global supply of inhalers, and its significant contribution to the local economy.

Bespak is manufacturing the first low carbon pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) to be approved and sold anywhere in the world. These inhalers use a new generation of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellant gases to deliver medicine into the lungs of people with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This new technology supports the global shift away from older, higher emission propellants, which are classified as powerful greenhouse gases, and places Cheshire East at the centre of green pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said:

“It was inspiring to see, up close, a global life sciences breakthrough happening right here in Holmes Chapel. 

“Bespak’s work is creating high quality jobs and supporting our regional competitiveness while making a real difference for patients as well as to the planet – something that very much supports the council’s carbon neutral ambitions.

“They are a perfect example of why Cheshire East is such an outstanding place to start, grow and sustain a business.”

The council’s visit highlighted the substantial local economic benefits of Bespak’s continued growth and expansion. The company is a global leader in the supply of inhalers and nasal sprays, manufacturing its own innovative devices as well as producing branded products for pharmaceutical companies. Bespak employs more than 1,250 people in the UK, including 429 at its Holmes Chapel site, and continues to expand advanced manufacturing roles, apprenticeships and specialist life sciences careers. 

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, added:

“Cheshire East is home to one of the largest science and technology clusters in the UK and Bespak’s world first manufacturing achievement is something the whole borough can be proud of. 

“It demonstrates the strength of our advanced manufacturing sector and the exceptional talent that exists here in Cheshire East.”

Chris Hirst, CEO at Bespak, said:

“Our site here in Holmes Chapel has a long history of developing and manufacturing inhalers and we are proud of that heritage. As the global transition to low carbon inhalers gathers pace, we are continuing to innovate and invest – ensuring that patients retain access to trusted treatments while reducing environmental impact. 

“Leading this global shift from the heart of the Cheshire Science Corridor reflects our confidence in the region. We look forward to continuing to grow while supporting our local economy and communities. My ambition is that climate action, patient care and community impact all progress together.”

The visit marks the beginning of a series of Made in Cheshire East engagements that will highlight the businesses, skills and sectors powering the local economy.

Businesses interested in taking part in the Made in Cheshire East initiative can visit:  

Made in Cheshire East