The US company, whose rapid antigen test for coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently being used by the NHS, is developing a new global research hub in Scotland, which will spread more than 500 new jobs across sites at Stirling, Inverness and a new facility under construction at Eurocentral.
Stirling Council Chief Executive, Carol Beattie, said: “Stirling’s reputation as a prime location for attracting new investment is growing every day, and today’s news is another welcome announcement from one of the many valued businesses in the life sciences sector in our City.
“LumiraDx’s plans herald a boost for local jobs, and have the potential to foster increased international trade links for Stirling, further showcasing the region as a global destination for advanced tech companies.”
The investment in LumiraDx’s current Scottish operations is supported by a £15 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, and the new jobs will scale up manufacturing, as well as the development of a range of other ground-breaking tests.
Growth in Stirling
Today’s news sees the company join a growing list of Stirling-based businesses which see the region as fertile ground for starting or expanding their operations.
Last year local firm Symbiosis - an industry-leading specialist provider of pharmaceutical and vaccine development services - signed a supply agreement with AstraZeneca for sterile manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccine from their purpose-built Stirling base for sponsored clinical trials.
The prospects for Stirling’s post-Covid economic recovery were then further enhanced recently by news from long-standing local employer Prudential, which announced a new 20-year commitment to the city last month by moving its operations to the new Kildean Business Park – plans funded by global finance firm, Aviva.
"Fantastic boosts for Stirling"
Ms Beattie added: “All these investments are fantastic boosts for Stirling, its economy and the people who live here.
“National and international companies see Stirling as a place to either start up or grow their business in a range of sectors, and there is an abundance of talent blossoming here to facilitate that growth.
“These recent investments also bode incredibly well for apprenticeships and graduates looking to take their first steps in their career, but also for the future economy of Stirling post-Covid, which will benefit greatly from these landmark changes and the rich opportunities they present.”