Randox To Create 540 New Jobs

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced global diagnostics firm, Randox, is to create 540 quality jobs over four years resulting from a £29m capital investment.

Randox, headquartered in Crumlin, Co. Antrim, specialises in the development of innovative diagnostic tests and technology, primarily targeted at hospital, clinical, food safety, toxicology and veterinary laboratories.

Mr Robinson said: "This substantial £29million investment creating 540 new quality jobs in Northern Ireland will enable Randox to develop a new manufacturing site in Antrim, which will house a modern manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art research and development laboratories and administration office space.

"Today's announcement will underpin the company's aim of increasing revenues by 60% to almost £150 million by 2018 through more efficient manufacturing and by speeding up the development of new products.

"Randox currently employs almost 800 people in its sites in Northern Ireland and, as a result of today's announcement, that figure will rise to 1,300 employees by 2018. This is very welcome news."

Mr McGuinness added: "This is a phenomenal announcement by Randox one of our major exporters. The new jobs will generate over £16.2 million a year in salaries to the local economy with an average salary of £30,000. The new jobs will include production, administration, research, sales and marketing posts.

"Randox's ability to diversify into new markets with new products demonstrates innovation is central to everything they do. Their continued success will not just create jobs and boost the economy but potentially save lives."

(CD/JP)