AN expanding life sciences company is creating jobs in the North-East following a decision to shift its laboratory operations from Oxfordshire to Teesside.

Absolute Antibody, a manufacturer of antibodies for the biomedical research and diagnostics markets, has expanded by moving to new laboratories at the Wilton Centre, the 75-acre business and science park near Redcar that neighbours the Wilton site.

As part of its move, Absolute Antibody has doubled its lab space and has options for further growth.

The Wilton Centre laboratory employs four people and the company plans to expand by taking on an additional four people over the next six months.

Dr Ian Wilkinson, head of research and manufacturing at Absolute Antibody, said: “The move to Wilton Centre and the North-East makes sense on multiple levels. It has allowed us to increase in size whilst at the same time reducing costs.

“We can also continue to grow our service portfolio which is something we would not have been able to do in Oxford.”

He added: “The Wilton Centre provides first class facilities and the excellent support we have received has resulted in a smooth relocation and expansion.”

Wilton Centre site director Steve Duffield said that the move was another boost for the park’s credentials as a centre of innovation.

“We are delighted to welcome Absolute Antibody and add them to the Wilton Centre’s prestigious list of tenants.

“It is very encouraging indeed to hear of its plans for expansion in the near future which indicate that the company has an exciting future ahead of it and we wish them all the very best.”