Welsh Government Ministers visit Biofortuna to celebrate innovation and skills development
Biofortuna, a leading diagnostics manufacturer and laboratory services provider, welcomed Welsh Government Ministers Ken Skates MS and Jack Sargeant MS on Monday to demonstrate how the Deeside-based CDMO is playing a pivotal role in the early detection of disease.
The visit highlighted Biofortuna’s role as a key player in Wales’s life sciences industry, providing advanced molecular diagnostic assay development and manufacturing services to partners across the global biotechnology sector. Operating from ISO13485 accredited facilities, Biofortuna support diagnostic innovation from concept to commercialisation, accelerating new product development and strengthening Wales’s reputation for scientific excellence.
During the tour, the Ministers witnessed the innovative manufacturing process behind Biofortuna’s lyophilised beads. These beads are perfect spheres of freeze-dried diagnostic reagents enabling rapid point of care testing, whilst reducing the environmental burden of transportation and storage. The morning concluded with a discussion on growth, investment in new technologies and the Company’s commitment to the training and development of its team. The discussion focused on how collaboration between government and industry can drive innovation, create high-quality jobs, and position North Wales as a hub for advanced manufacturing and biotechnology.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:
“I was very pleased to have the opportunity to see the good work being done by Biofortuna in Deeside. Their development of novel technology is a great demonstration of the good things that can come from Welsh Government research and development funding.
“These collaborations are so important for making North Wales a hub for high-quality, high-skill jobs in manufacturing and technology and I am looking forward to seeing the approach here continue to pay dividends in future.”
Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant added:
“Biofortuna are playing a key role strengthening Wales’s reputation in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. I’m pleased we have been able to work with them to develop their business, which is providing high quality jobs for the area.”
Dr Nick Ash, Biofortuna Chief Executive concluded
“It was a pleasure to welcome Ken and Jack today so they could witness first-hand the growth we have been able to achieve with the support of the Welsh Government’s initiatives for innovation, business development and skills & training. This will help Biofortuna achieve a world leading position in the diagnostic sector and help power the growth of our business.”
About Biofortuna
Biofortuna is a specialist laboratory services and diagnostic Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (‘CDMO’). Biofortuna provide cell line QC testing, custom assay development, contract manufacturing and controlled environment storage solutions to empower their global partners in healthcare, biotechnology and academia to advance innovative life sciences and diagnostic applications in health and wellbeing.
The Company is ISO13485 and ISO17025 accredited, FDA registered, accredited by UK Government Ministry of Justice for DNA Relationship Testing and licensed by the Home Office for the storage of controlled drugs.