One of the fastest-growing bio-tech companies in the UK has doubled space at a business park in the South on the back of global demand for its revolutionary products.
Award-winning NanoSight, which employs 30 people on location and a further 17 globally, signed a 10-year lease on nearly 894 sq m (9,621 sq ft) of mixed-used space at Minton House, Minton Distribution Park, Amesbury, near Salisbury in Wiltshire.
Led by founder Dr Bob Carr, the firm manufactures unique nanoparticle characterization technology, supported by software and hardware development.
The technology allows the tiniest of particles to be identified, sized and counted in minutes through instrumentation tens of thousands of pounds cheaper than an electron microscope.
More than 90% of sales are for export, with particular demand from pharmaceuticals and life sciences overseas.
To date more than 600 instruments have been sold; blue-chip clients include Unilever, Pfizer, Proctor and Gamble and GlaxoSmithKline.
To meet the new requirements of NanoSight, park landlord Minton refurbished available and interlinked space into labs, storage, break-out areas, warehousing and offices.
Maureen Driver, Minton’s senior asset manager, said: “NanoSight is an inspirational business that UK plc should be proud of – the firm employs world-beating research scientists and is creating valuable and high-value jobs in the heart of Wiltshire.
“It was clear to me that Bob and Jean Carr were ambitious for NanoSight when they arrived here back in 2008 and it has been a pleasure to help them flex up by creating new facilities, doubling the firm’s footprint here.”
NanoSight was recently selected to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation in 2013.
The accolade follows on from the one bestowed last year – the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2012.
Bob, chief technical officer, said: “As one of the fastest-growing bio-tech companies in the UK, it was imperative that we could increase our space at Minton House to meet product demand.
“Maureen and her team ensured that the larger facilities hit the spot. The working environment is both professional and comfortable, taking NanoSight to the next level as we continue to innovate and meet the exacting demands of customers.”
Minton Distribution Park is owned by the Minton Group, which operates 25 commercial sites across England, with 150 people working for eight companies on site locally.
With eight companies on site, the park has flexible industrial, warehouse, distribution and office space available, with rents from £3.50 a sq ft.
Occupiers include Hama, one of the world’s leading accessory companies in photo, video, audio, computer and telecommunications, salads grower and supplier Vitacress, data cleansing specialist CCR and retailer Countrywide, which has just opened a store for trade and public on site.
Salisbury-based commercial property consultancy Myddelton & Major is the sole agent for Minton Distribution Park.
Financial details of NanoSight’s lease were not disclosed.
