Science company on the move thanks to funding

A Cheshire-based manufacturer of highly specialised scientific testing machines has expanded into new premises with the support of a £600,000 funding package.

Established in 2008, Isotopx is one of only three companies in the world that designs and manufactures magnetic sector mass spectrometers. The machines can cost up to £600,000 and they are used by scientists and researchers to measure the isotopic composition of elements.

Isotopx currently exports all of its bespoke machines to universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton and Harvard in the USA, the nuclear industry and businesses across the globe.

After 10 years of growth, in which it expanded its workforce from nine to 21 staff, Isotopx outgrew its previous Middlewich base.

Supported by HSBC’s £600,000 funding package, the business purchased its new 13,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, more than twice the space available at its previous premises.

The new site will allow Isotopx to increase the capacity of its manufacturing and testing facilities, as well as growing its workforce to meet sustained demand for its products.

The business also plans to bring two new mass spectrometers to the market. It also expects to increase turnover by up to 50% per cent over the next two years.

Dr. Zenon Palacz, managing director of Isotopx, said: “We are the only independent manufacturer in our field so ensuring our business has the capacity and flexibility to compete in a global market was essential.

“We not only need more space to design, build and test our machines but we also require desk space and a larger car park for our growing workforce.

“With HSBC’s financial backing we were able to invest in the right property that gives us a platform for growth.”

Barry Millar, HSBC’s Area Director for Liverpool and Cheshire, said: “Isotopx is a great example of the type of dynamic business we are delighted to support.

“The business is a highly specialised manufacturer that knows how to do business in a global market place and it is focussed on growing both its workforce and developing innovative new products. We look forward to seeing the business flourish in its new home.”

The deal was led by John Paulson, HSBC Relationship Manager for North Staffordshire.

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