Randox Laboratories, the Antrim clinical diagnostics company, is to expand its testing operations and create new jobs in Manchester after acquiring a state-of-the-art laboratory facility in the city.

The expansion will more than double the company’s existing laboratory testing facilities and enable it to move into testing hair samples for the presence of drugs, which is used in the UK chiefly by family law solicitors and child protection authorities.

Randox Laboratories acquired the 6,500 sq ft laboratory in Manchester from KPMG. Administrators from the accountancy firm had been appointed to testing company Trimega Laboratories in April.

Gary McCutcheon, global manager for Randox testing services, believes the company’s new base will help substantially grow its business.

The company, which was founded in 1982, has developed a suite of products that provide more accurate and rapid diagnosis for diseases and health complaints. Although headquartered in Crumlin, it also has a manufacturing and research facility in Dungloe.

Two years ago, it established a forensics-focused spin-off business, Randox Toxicology, that uses its parent company’s Biochip Array Technology to identify substances across a wide range of drug families.

Mr McCutcheon said the group currently provides forensic toxicology services to more than half of UK police forces and supplies workplace testing to a number of house brands.

He said the new lab will not only give Randox additional capacity to service existing clients but enable it to increase its market share.

“Manchester ranks second in terms of metropolitan economies within the UK, but when you factor in its geographical location, it really becomes an obvious choice. Outstanding air, road and rail infrastructure makes it an ideal hub location to service the UK market and further afield,” Mr McCutcheon said.