Randox announces its £30m investment in specialised COVID-19 testing lab
Randox announces its £30m investment in specialised COVID-19 testing lab
Randox invests £30m and 200 new jobs in specialised COVID-19 testing lab
As part of efforts to enhance its national testing capacity, global diagnostics company Randox has announced an investment of £30m in a new specialised COVID-19 testing hub.
The healthcare firm, which is currently conducting COVID-19 tests as part of the national testing programme, announced its investment in the new facilities based at the Randox Science Park in Antrim, Northern Ireland, during a visit yesterday by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE.
The specialised laboratory, the development of which was fast-tracked over the space of four weeks, is the first step in a wider diagnostics investment programme from Randox.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“The national testing programme, as a collaborative effort by government and various partners within industry, has increased testing capacity at an unparalleled speed – by installing a network of drive-through testing centres, introducing home testing kits, and now, opening this specialised lab at the Randox Science Park in Northern Ireland.
“An incredible amount of work has gone into making this cutting-edge testing facility a reality in a relatively short space of time, as we know that effective testing is the most effective way to both save lives and promote a timely return to a more normal society.”
The opening of the new laboratory at the Randox Science Park follows the company’s announcement that it is recruiting new staff across Science, Engineering and Manufacturing in support of its role within the national testing programme.
The 200 new positions will be involved in the testing of potential COVID-19 samples, as well as the construction of 200 new state-of-the-art diagnostic analysers which will significantly increase Randox’s capacity for COVID-19 testing.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“Now that we have in place the infrastructure and laboratory space required to enhance our testing capacity, we look forward to implementing the next step in our COVID-19 investment programme.
“By accelerating the build schedule for new specialised equipment, and hiring 200 associated workers across Science, Engineering and Manufacturing we will further enhance the government’s national testing scheme, as well as facilitate testing more broadly across the general populace.”
Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP welcomed the new investment saying:
“I was impressed during my visit with the dedication of staff and the top-class facilities at Randox. This investment will help support the UK’s nationwide effort to fight the coronavirus and ultimately save lives.”
Dr FitzGerald concluded;
“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all my colleagues at Randox who continue to work assiduously to process such a high volume of tests in a timely manner.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we appreciate all your hard work and the vital role you play in the practical application of COVID-19 testing.”
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Secretary of State Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP visits Randox Science Park
On Monday 21st November, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, visited our new Randox Science Park facility.
The visit was part of the Mr Brokenshire’s recently established Business Advisory Group sectoral meetings, of which the Life Science sector is a key stakeholder.
Following the visit, the Secretary of State said:
“I was absolutely delighted to visit the very impressive facilities at the Randox Science Park, in what used to be Massereene Barracks. During my tour of the site, I was struck by the powerful symbolism of what used to be the defence estate of the old Northern Ireland to what has now been transformed into world class laboratories and life sciences facilities. This showcases Northern Ireland as a leading contributor in the world of knowledge economy, and this is an area which I am confident will continue to grow.
“My visit here is to help re-affirm the Government’s commitment to do whatever is needed to safeguard the economy and forge a new global role for ourselves as we leave the European Union. The UK Government remains committed to making this country the best place in Europe to own and grow a business and to building a stronger economy that works for everyone.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP to our new Randox Science Park in Antrim, and we are encouraged by the Government’s support for the creation of a positive business environment. Since 1982 we have championed Northern Ireland and the very talented people who work with us. Our commitment to a positive future is perfectly illustrated by the evolution of this site from former army barracks to state-of-the-art biotechnology hub.
“As an innovation-led company, these revolutionary facilities are fundamental to enable us to develop more accurate and sensitive diagnostic capabilities and promote preventive healthcare globally. It will also contribute significantly to supporting the Northern Ireland economy with the creation of new jobs and increased exports. This is a significant investment, which markets not only a dynamic Randox to the world but also a positive Northern Ireland.”
For more information about the Secretary of State’s visit to the Randox Science Park please contact our PR team via email: randoxpr@randox.com
