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North East chemical scene bolstered as High Force launches new lab

Chemical research and development firm High Force Research has announced it will open a new 1018 sq ft laboratory at the Wilton Centre in Redcar.

Founded nearly three decades ago in 1988, the Durham-based is one of the UK’s longest established chemical research companies.

The new lab features six chemical fume cupboards and advanced research facilities, which are reportedly custom designed for chemical development.

High Force Research’s Dr Valentine said, “We will be staffed from day one with full time chemists based on site, two of whom are newly qualified PhD students from Newcastle University. We are hoping to recruit more chemists in the near future to help with our expansion plans at Wilton.

“The location is great with excellent facilities designed for Chemical Research companies including plentiful parking, a restaurant, gym and open parkland.”

Middlesbrough is home to many chemicals companies including, Huntsman, Chemoxy, Fine Organics and Banner Chemicals Group.

Dr Valentine added: “With around ninety research oriented businesses onsite we feel that the location also provides us with increased networking and collaboration possibilities.”

Wilton Centre’s site director, Steve Duffield, said that it was good news to be welcoming such a prestigious new tenant to the Centre.

He said: “High Force Research is a well-established company and is creating a number of highly skilled positions that will attract well-qualified people to the area and help to boost the long term prospects of the Teesside economy. We are very proud that the company has chosen to expand its operations here.”