A HILLFOOTS firm continues to support the battle against Covid-19 – a year after the first patient was diagnosed in the Forth Valley.

Omega Diagnostics, producers of the VISTECT CD4 rapid test and manufacturers of the lateral flow tests, have been expanding their headquarters at Hillfoots Business Village in Alva.

It has now been more than a year since the first person in the wider area was confirmed to have contracted coronavirus, and just under 12 months since the nation was sent into lockdown.

As early as April 2020, the Alva-based medical firm expanded its base, following an announcement that the company would make up to 46,000 coronavirus antibody tests a day on behalf of London-based biotech firm Mologic.

Only a week later, 16 staff moved into a quickly-built lab space and Omega announced that it had certification-marked Mologic's first generation ELISA1 antibody test for Covid-19.

In February this year, shares in the company soared when it was reported to be one of three companies selected by the UK Government to make rapid coronavirus tests.

An expansion project was again started to accommodate the production of the lateral flow tests.

Colin King, CEO at Omega Diagnostics, said: "It's not been an easy year for everyone and to be able to have a contribution to the fight against Covid-19 makes us proud as a company.

"We have been a Ceteris tenant for over 25 years, initially in Alloa before the current site and they are always accommodating when we require expansion assistance.

"We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ceteris team again to join all of our buildings together to allow us to continue with innovation and development."

Steven Dalgleish, Ceteris maintenance manager, has been managing the expansion projects.

When the first expansion was complete and the staff moved into the lab in April, he said he was "proud to have played a small part" in the fight against coronavirus.

Also playing their part have been the suppliers and contractors doing the work; with thanks going to George, Johnny and Chris at Howdens' Alloa depot at the time.

The contract for the most recent expansion works went to Wee County firm Marshall Constriction.

Angela Ogilvie operations director at Ceteris, added: "I am delighted to see this development start; it's been such a turbulent year for many and it's great to be involved in such a positive project which is going to help increase efficiency for Omega in the manufacture of their Covid testing kits.

"Omega has been a Ceteris tenant since the early 1990s and has expanded their operations on a number of occasions, while retaining their head office in Clackmannanshire."