Energy & Talent: Inside Mitie’s £26m AstraZeneca Contract
Innovation in healthcare is a long-standing necessity, and often sparks mental images of drug development or patient care breakthroughs.
As one of the world’s largest and most influential pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca also has a large manufacturing presence that requires innovative solutions to hit talent and sustainability goals. Mitie, the UK’s largest facilities management company, has been brought in to extend its innovative solutions to one of AstraZeneca’s key campuses.
AstraZeneca has awarded Mitie a £26m (US$34.9m) contract to deliver engineering and energy services at its Macclesfield campus in Cheshire, reinforcing a long-standing focus on operational resilience, sustainability and workforce development within the UK’s life sciences sector.
The agreement welcomes Mitie as a key facilities and energy partner at one of AstraZeneca’s most significant global manufacturing and technology sites.
“We’re proud to bring our engineering expertise and energy insight to deliver services for AstraZeneca that support operational reliability and sustainability, both now and into the future,” says Sam White, Managing Director, Technical Services at Mitie.
“By investing in skills, apprenticeships and community initiatives, this partnership will support a resilient, future‑ready workforce at the Macclesfield campus.”
Prioritising efficiency and reliability
Under the terms of the contract, Mitie will deliver a comprehensive suite of services designed to maintain the efficiency and reliability of AstraZeneca’s operations. This includes mechanical and electrical maintenance, reactive engineering support and advanced energy management.
A central component of the partnership is the deployment of Mitie’s Orbit platform, which will provide real-time visibility into energy usage and carbon emissions across the Macclesfield campus. By continuously monitoring performance data, the platform will enable targeted interventions to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The contract also places strong emphasis on people and skills. Mitie has committed to investing in apprenticeships, structured training programmes and long-term workforce development. This includes welcoming new apprentices into the business and contributing more than 1,300 hours of volunteering annually to community, education and environmental initiatives in collaboration with AstraZeneca.
This dual focus on operational delivery and social value reflects a broader shift in facilities management towards integrated service models that combine engineering, sustainability and community engagement.
AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield campus
AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield campus is one of the company’s most important global hubs, employing approximately 5,200 people and recognised as one of five digital lighthouse sites within the company. It is the second largest manufacturing site in AstraZeneca’s network and plays a critical role in the production and distribution of medicines worldwide.
“Macclesfield is an important site for AstraZeneca – a hub of innovation, science and high-tech manufacturing,” explains Sarah Dayre, VP, EMEA & Sweden Operations and Macclesfield Campus Lead at AstraZeneca.
“It’s a place where creative, talented and committed people can make their mark and where molecules are turned into medicine.”
The site manufactures, packs and distributes 25 commercial medicines and nine clinical medicines, supplying 118 markets – in 2024 alone, it delivered around 100 million packs.
Alongside manufacturing, Macclesfield is home to a diverse range of functions, including AstraZeneca’s global IT organisation, Pharmaceutical Development and Global Medicines Development teams.
The campus is deeply embedded within the UK’s science and innovation ecosystem and, with more than 150 apprenticeships active onsite, serves as a key centre for talent development.
About Mitie
Founded in 1987, Mitie is the UK’s leading technology-led facilities management, transformation and compliance company, employing around 90,000 people and serving approximately 3,000 customers across the public and private sectors.
The company specialises in managing complex and highly regulated environments, including healthcare and life sciences, where operational reliability and compliance are critical. Its services span engineering, security, hygiene and a range of transformation projects, including decarbonisation, infrastructure modernisation and fire safety.
Mitie’s approach is increasingly driven by data and technology, enabling clients to optimise building performance and make informed decisions about energy use and sustainability. This capability is particularly relevant in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, where energy intensity and regulatory requirements are both high.
The company also brings strong environmental, social and governance credentials to the partnership. It holds a place on the CDP Climate Change A List, has validated science-based targets aligned with net zero ambitions and has received multiple industry awards for low-carbon innovation.
Its commitment to workforce development is reflected in its recognition as a top UK employer and a leading apprenticeship provider, aligning closely with AstraZeneca’s own focus on early talent and skills development.
