County Antrim biotechnology firm Randox Laboratories, celebrated across the globe for its ground-breaking diagnostics has welcomed two famous faces, also recognised internationally…

The award winning firm, which has recently acquired the former army base at Massereene, has been putting the ‘A-list’ in Antrim,  opening up the 42 acre site to actors Jamie Dornan, Gillian Anderson and the rest of the cast and crew of BBC2’s hugely successful series ‘The Fall’.

Parts of the site were transformed into a police station, custody suite and forensics laboratory, for filming of Season 2.  David McCann of Randox who worked with the production team, said it was surreal seeing the well-known actors on the set:

“It was a fantastic experience to see stars like Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson in action on the set. The wider film crew were great to work with and very courteous to all involved. I believe Jamie liked to wind down with a kick about with the crew after filming. I’m happy he didn’t break any of the windows!”

Randox was called into kit out the forensics laboratory and even provided filming extras, Human Resources Executive, Hannah Hutchinson, was one of them:

“It was a great experience, I was asked to play the part of a lab technician – but I wasn’t nervous because everyone was really nice.  Gillian Anderson is so professional, it was terrific to watch.  I’m really looking forward to the new series – might even catch a glimpse of myself”.

Randox Laboratories owner and managing director Dr Peter FitzGerald was delighted to provide this location for the BBC Two production and hopes to work with similar projects in the future:

“Randox is an innovative, progressive company which is proud to support the growing Northern Ireland film and TV industry.  We are pleased to see big production companies coming here to film, it can only be good news for Northern Ireland.  We have had location scouts come to view our new site in Antrim and indeed our lands around the lough shore, but all I can say for now, is watch this space!”

Season 2 of ‘The Fall’, will air on BBC Two in November.

I knew Lord Ballyedmond for many years. When I was endeavouring to start Randox Laboratories in the early 1980’s I went to him for advice. He was of great help to me in the early years of Randox. Eddie and I would frequently discuss business issues and the challenges of managing international business in Northern Ireland. I had great admiration for his courage and enterprise; he will be sadly missed.

Eddie Haughey played an integral part in contributing to economic development in Northern Ireland and to our constantly expanding biotechnology sector. His willingness to invest heavily in innovation and his tireless entrepreneurial efforts to create and grow Norbrook Laboratories into a global success has been an inspiration to businesses operating in the sector across the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends and his staff at Norbrook at this very sad time.