R-Biopharm Rhône, one of Scotland's most successful scientific exporters, is embarking on a recruitment drive following another record year of sales and profits

The company, which makes diagnostic test kits for use in the agri-food industry, is looking for another two research and development scientists to add to its complement of 15 industry-leading specialists, as well as up to three production operatives to reinforce the production unit.

The significant expansion will take headcount at the company, which is based in the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, to more than 50, the highest total in its 25-year history.

, Managing Director, said: "R-Biopharm Rhône has long been known as a crucible for scientific talent and innovation and many of the people we have here have international reputations.

"The people we want to join us will be hard working, talented with the science-based posts typically educated to PhD standard and ambitious team players. Everyone involved will know that they are signing up to one of Scotland's real success stories."

R-Biopharm Rhône makes diagnostic test kits and sells more than 75% of its output outside the UK to major international names including Danone, Kraft, Nestlé and Heinz. It will post turnover this year of £5.6 million, up 15% on last year and it is projecting £6.5m for next year. Profits have increased by more than 20%.

The company has just achieved Investors In People status at bronze level, showing that as well as being successful on the balance sheet, RBR is also a great place to work.

Mr Bevis said: "This is a fantastic company with a great deal of positive energy. Everyone was so enthusiastic when we won the IIP award and even the IIP assessor remarked on what an excellent company it was to work for."

R-Biopharm Rhône's parent company is German diagnostics company R-Biopharm AG which has subsidiaries in the US, Italy, France, Latin America, Brazil, Spain, Australia and China. Most of the subsidiaries are Sales and Distribution companies, R-Biopharm Rhône is the only subsidiary in the group which manufactures and exports.

For further information, contact Simon Bevis, Managing Director, R-Biopharm Rhône Ltd., Block 10, Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Acre Road, Glasgow, Scotland G20 0XA. Tel: +44 (0) 141 945 2924. Fax: +44 (0) 141 945 2925. Email: info@r-biopharmrhone.com or visit www.r-biopharm.com