LGC Genomics opens new state-of-the-art laboratory facility in North London
LGC Genomics yesterday officially opened its new laboratory facility, in Hoddesdon, North London.
The new facility, housing over 25,000 sq ft of purpose-built office, laboratory and warehouse space, was officially opened by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science.
Mr Willetts joined other guests on a tour of the new state-of-the-art building, given by LGC’s Chairman, Graham Love, and Chief Executive, David Richardson.
Speaking after his tour, David Willetts, said; “This impressive new facility will be a real asset to our world class life sciences industry. It will drive growth and address some of our most pressing challenges, including the development of new drugs and more resilient crops. I also welcome the company’s commitment to driving up skills through its recently-launched apprenticeship scheme.”
David Richardson, LGC’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re very grateful to The Minister for helping us celebrate the opening of this new facility, marking an important stage in the development of LGC’s business here in the UK. The new laboratory provides for considerable expansion and will enable a ten-fold increase in our UK manufacturing capability. Our expanded product delivery capability, combined with an even greater level of throughput in our genomics services division, will benefit all our customers and their genomics-based research. This investment demonstrates yet again the LGC commitment to investing in vital science Research and Development capacity.”
LGC Genomics provides scientific products and laboratory services for use in genetic analysis. Specifically this involves DNA extraction (taking DNA from cells), sequencing (looking at the DNA sequence of the different ‘bases’ along a DNA strand to understand its general makeup) and genotyping (the investigation of specific areas of that DNA which confer particular traits on an organism). The new facility will also provide a hub for the manufacture of LGC’s proprietary reagents and laboratory products.
The new laboratory in Hoddesdon represents LGC’s latest genomics investment, and follows expansion in their North American operation and a new laboratory facility near Boston, USA.