Abingdon ramps up Yorkshire manufacturing as it delivers a million Covid tests

The York-based firm is working closely with commercial and academic partners to build data sets around the use of its AbC-19 rapid test alongside coronavirus vaccines.

Following its flotation last month, which raised total proceeds of £22.2m, Abingdon will invest in its automated manufacturing capacity and is planning to expand both its York and Doncaster sites.

The firm expects a number of key items of automated assembly equipment to come online over the coming months and these will significantly increase its automated manufacturing capacity.

The group expects revenues to jump to £7.7m in the six months to December 31, up from £1.5m in the previous half year.

It said second quarter revenue was significantly ahead of the first quarter, highlighting the growth in activity in line with new product approvals and increased levels of manufacturing capacity.

Chris Yates, chief executive of Abingdon Health, said: “I am pleased to report quarter-on-quarter revenue growth which has been driven by demand across a range of Covid and non-Covid products.

"As a result of ongoing investment in our facilities and the monies raised at our recent IPO, we will see our automated capacity increase

significantly in the second half and into the next financial year, and we look forward to working with our customers to support their exciting growth plans.

“The AbC-19 Rapid Test is an IgG neutralising antibody test and therefore we expect it will have a key role to play in mitigating the future impact of the pandemic.

"The company is currently working closely with commercial and academic partners to build the data sets around the use-case for the AbC-19 Rapid Test alongside vaccines and as an indicator of neutralising antibody production post infection.”

The group also announced the appointment of Melanie Ross as its new chief financial officer.