New move for Don Whitley Scientific
Yorkshire firm Don Whitley Scientific Limited (‘Don Whitley Scientific’) has relocated to new premises in Bingley following a six-figure funding deal received from Allied Irish Bank (GB).
Founded in 1976 by microbiologist Don Whitley, Don Whitley Scientific is a leading international supplier of innovative equipment and services to the microbiology and tissue culture industries. The team develop, manufacture, market and service instrumentation and associated products for the public and private sector; primarily for use in hospitals, public health laboratories, food testing organisations, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Founder Don Whitley’s first product was an improved anaerobic jar and the team have since introduced spiral plating to the UK; developed the world’s first variable atmosphere workstation for microbiologists; and is credited with jointly inventing the gravimetric diluter.
Supported by funding from Allied Irish Bank (GB), Don Whitely Scientific’s 48,100 sq ft premises are located at Victoria Works, Victoria Street in Bingley and provide additional capacity to accommodate the firm’s continued growth. Previously located at premises on Otley Road in Shipley, Don Whitley Scientific had manufactured there for over 40 years. Today the business employs 70 people with a turnover of £9million.
Eclipse Interiors were commissioned to carry out a major refit to make the premises suitable for the company’s needs; with increased warehousing capacity plus new offices, a bespoke production area, service centre, R&D mezzanine and improved staff facilities including a large, fully fitted, air-conditioned canteen. There is also a new product showroom where customers can view demonstrations of the latest anaerobic and hypoxic workstation technology.
Paul Walton, Managing Director of Don Whitley Scientific said: “”Our business has expanded considerably, particularly over the last 10 years, and despite having purchased numbers 16 and 18 Otley Road, we have still outgrown our current facilities. When Victoria Works came up for sale, we knew this would be the right move for us. The Bingley premises will provide us with the space to organise ourselves more efficiently and still have room to expand. The move has also been made possible thanks to the financial backing we have received from Allied Irish Bank (GB) who have demonstrated their continued support and confidence in our business growth.”
Siobhan McGarry, Relationship Manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB) said: “Don Whitley Scientific is a well-established, strong performing owner managed three generation family business, with an excellent reputation. I am delighted that we have been able to continue to support the company with the relocation to bigger premises and support their plans to refit the site to suit their needs. This is a great move for the company and we look forward to providing ongoing support as they continue to grow”.
