£1m microbiology manufacturing plant opening in Cumbernauld

E&O Laboratories, the UK’s biggest privately owned manufacturer of microbiological culture media, is expanding in order to increase its export capacity.

The venture has been funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland and a Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.

The family-owned company was founded in 1989 and manufactures clinical diagnostics and microbiolgical testing products for use in the clinical, pharmaceutical, food, water and environmental industries.

It expects to triple its manufacturing capacity and take on around 16 new staff, while targeting the export markets in Europe and Asia.

Managing director Virginia Lucey said: “Thsi project is going to take our business to the next level. After an extensive research and development programme we devised a strategy to grow our presence on the world stage.”

Alasdair Swan, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, added: “It’s an exciting time for any business when they decide to explore new and exciting markets. We’ve tailored funding to suit E&O’s individual growth strategy, allowing Virgina and the team the opportunity to invest in the essential equipment required.”