ALT to create 100 jobs as it expands its agri-food analysis services
Advanced Laboratory Testing Ltd is to create 100 roles this year as it expands to offer PCR (polymerase chain reaction), environmental chemistry and enhanced food chemistry services.
Based in Newbridge Industrial Park, Co Kildare, ALT has taken on 50 staff in the 18 months since opening in 2013. It is to double this number this year. The company offers diagnostic techniques to the food industry.
Billy Coleman of ALT said: “We are currently embarking on a major expansion programme with a view to increasing ALT’s accredited service offering across the analysis spectrum to include PCR, environmental chemistry and a significantly enhanced food chemistry service offering.
“This will allow the Irish Food Industry to use an Irish-based commercial laboratory service provider to assist in complying with new EU labeling regulations which came into force in December 2014. This will result in significantly improved turnaround times for customers in Ireland and will lessen the need for Irish companies to use subcontract labs in the UK and mainland Europe.”
With these accreditations coming on-stream, ALT will increase staff numbers to at least 100 full-time laboratory staff this year. Most of these positions will require graduate level qualifications.
Over the next 18 months, the company plans to further increase the range of testing services offered to include allergen testing and water chemistry, and to increase the range of veterinary services offered.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has formally opened a new 3,500sq ft testing facility, doubling the size of ALT’s existing laboratory capacity.
ALT is the only commercial laboratory here offering PCR-based rapid testing for salmonella species and listeria species which allow for results within 24 hours.
