Insider Media Limited

Scientific company Eurofins Laboratories has been given the green light to build a new facility at the i54 business park in Wolverhampton. The move is expected to create an additional 80 jobs at the new site.

Eurofins was awarded planning permission from South Staffordshire Council to begin the one-hectare development. The facility includes a two-storey, 4,820 sq m building and a car park. Construction is expected to be completed in 2012.

The company specialises in nutritional and contaminant testing of food and feed products for a range of private and public sector customers.

Eurofins’ planned move from its current premises in Wergs Road, Wolverhampton, to the i54 site, which is owned by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, will protect more than 100 existing jobs from the former site.

Graeme Risdon, managing director of Eurofins Laboratories, said: “This is a very exciting time for everyone at the firm.

"Our joint application with Advantage West Midlands has been approved by South Staffordshire Council and we’re looking forward to seeing the new building take shape at i54, one of the best high-tech business park plots in the West Midlands.”

Eurofins Laboratories is the second Wolverhampton firm in a matter of weeks to confirm plans to move to i54. Aerospace giant Moog is building a new facility ready to relocate to in 2012, retaining 400 high-tech aerospace jobs.

Mick Laverty, chief executive at Advantage West Midlands, said: “The planning decision is great news for Eurofins Laboratories and for the area’s economy.

“i54 is one of our flagship development sites in the West Midlands and we’ve worked hard with our partners throughout the recession to keep the project moving forward.

“As a result, Eurofins Laboratories is creating the high-tech, high-value jobs that will make a real difference to the area. The aim now is for other blue chip companies to follow the lead of Eurofins and Moog.”

The 220-acre i54 scheme is a joint venture between Advantage West Midlands and Wolverhampton City Council, supported by South Staffordshire Council.