A TECHNOLOGY company hopes to double its workforce and become a “multi-million pound” operator by complementing a business park expansion with medical sector growth.

Ibex Innovations is switching to larger offices at NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Bosses say the move will help bolster the firm’s existing 18-strong workforce to beyond 30 in the coming years.

However, they added the company, known for x-ray detectors, is also pushing to increase its presence in the healthcare sector, with work underway alongside NHS trusts to explore potential improvements to bone disease treatment.

The company, founded by Dr Gary Gibson in 2010, is speaking to healthcare officials about how its technology can advance detection and diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Chief executive Dr Neil Loxley said its detectors go beyond a standard x-ray image to provide more informed measurements of bone density and health, which he believes can help save the NHS time and money.

He said: “This is a huge opportunity for us.

“We estimate 60,000 of these basic hospital x-ray systems are sold every year, so if we sell a licence to allow each of them to adopt our technology then it will transform Ibex into a multi-million pound business.”

However, Dr Loxley also confirmed the business is working to extend its marketplace presence by adding its technology to portable security scanners, which can be used by the police and bomb disposal experts to examine suspect packages.

It is also working with a food inspection operator to improve detection of hazardous materials in chocolate.

The company, which has experience of working with the maths department at Durham University and has close links with the South Tees and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trusts, has operated from NetPark for a number of years.

However, Dr Loxley said the switch to one of the base’s new Explorer units will be a catalyst for the next phase in its evolution.

He added: “We have had a great deal of input into the design and layout of the office and laboratory, which will take us through the next five years of growth.

“The quality of the facilities at NetPark and the attitude of staff is first-class.

“It has a really dynamic, innovative atmosphere.”

Brian Archer, newly-appointed managing director of Business Durham, which oversees NetPark in its capacity as Durham County Council’s business division, said he was delighted to see Ibex reaffirming its commitment to the base.

He said: “Ibex is a prime example of an innovative, world-class technology company thriving on NetPark.

“It started its journey on NetPark as a virtual tenant, then took on incubator space and was one of the first to take offices in the Discovery 2 building.

“Its move to Explorer feels like a natural progression as it makes its name in new markets.”