MEDICAL informatics and imaging technology company firm Cirdan in Lisburn is planning 50 new jobs over the next three years after receiving a £1.5m funding boost from the Growth Finance Fund.
The company, established a decade ago, has used the funding to facilitate its expansion plans with a move to a new office at the former Coca-Cola factory in Lambeg.
Cirdan develops innovative software and hardware products that help to enhance and speed up the diagnostic process. These include a laboratory information system (LIS) which supports and streamlines the operations of a clinical laboratory and the CoreLite x-ray system which helps expedite breast cancer diagnosis.
The company - whose shareholders include Belfast listed information technology company Kainos - was co-founded by Dr Hugh Cormican, who previously helped establish Andor Technologies.
He said: “Cirdan has spent the last number of years developing a suite of innovative informatics and imaging products that are gaining increased recognition and traction in a global marketplace.
We have recently signed a new deal with a US distributor for our CoreLite product and won a new multimillion-dollar LIS contract supporting laboratories in Singapore and Malaysia, which are exciting new developments for the company.
“The increase in sales and demand for our products has resulted in the requirement for further funding to support the continued R&D spend and working capital needs.
He added: “Due to accelerated growth, we have moved to larger premises that will support the needs of our expanding team. Our new Lisburn headquarters, situated by the scenic Lagan towpath, will allow us to accommodate up to 150 staff.
“The objective over the next 18 months is to grow our footprint in the US, Oceania and EMEA markets. Our new production facility will enable us to enhance the product offering we can provide to customers in these key target markets.”
David McCurley, head of investments at the £30m Growth Finance Fund, added: “Cirdan has secured a number of successful investments over the past few years and this latest funding round will help them to further enhance their R&D capabilities.
“Early stage diagnosis of health conditions is a global issue as populations get older. The innovative work undertaken by Cirdan will ensure medical professionals have the most up to date tools available to better treat patients.”
