Randox says it’s primed to tackle Brexit challenges
THE head of medical testing firm Randox has said that trading overseas will face “particular business challenges” following Brexit.
Crumlin-based Randox, which is led by founder Dr Peter FitzGerald, is one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent manufacturers and exporters.
In its latest results the company reported pre-tax profits of £18m and turnover of £96m for 2o15. It employs around 1,400 people.
While based in Crumlin, it also has a large premises known as the Randox Science Park in Massereene, Antrim, as well as ‘wellness’ clinics in Crumlin, London and Holywood. It plans to open more of the clinics in Dubai, Liverpool and Los Angeles.
It also has 21 international offices, including in India and Poland, and is due to open up in the United States.
Dr FitzGerald said it was wellplaced to further expand in key markets, notwithstanding the challenges of the UK’s exit from the EU.
“We appreciate that post-Brex- it there will of course be particular business challenges with regards to international business, but at Randox we will remain committed to developing new health diagnostic technologies in the areas where they are needed most, and to expanding the business in our key markets, such as the US.”
The company this week took part in the world’s largest diagnostics conference in San Diego, California, the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo.
It launched new products including a test for acute kidney injury at the international event.
Dr FitzGerald said: “The USA is one of our most important markets and we have been exporting our diagnostic products there since the early 1980s.
“We will continue to nurture our presence there, the expansion of which will be supported by our soon to be opened facility in Kearneysville, West Virginia, which will enable us to strengthen our position in that market.”
The company’s main business is manufacturing tests and instruments for diagnosing clinical conditions, as well as carrying out risk assessments on longerterm threats including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It also manufactures drug testing kits, including biochips for detecting the use of legal highs.