• Arrayjet Limited develops COVID-19 antibody screening trials  

Edinburgh-based Arrayjet Limited, a bio-printing life sciences technology firm has re-purposed its in-house antibody screening technology to create a population-scale diagnostic programme that will help scientists better understand the behaviour of the Covid-19 virus and further the rapidity of a global vaccination programme.

For this screening platform, an international collaborative partnership has been formed between Arrayjet and CDI Laboratories. The team are using Arrayjet’s antibody screening technology ArrayPlex, and optimised reagents from CDI, to print thousands of droplets of synthetically made COVID-19 viral proteins on “biological microchips”. 

• AGR Automation sees turnover rise by almost 17%

Arbroath-based AGR Automation has seen its turnover increase by nearly 17% as it ended 2019 with an exceptionally strong order book. 

The firm designs and creates bespoke automation solutions operating from its headquarters Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath. The firm’s annual results filed with Companies House have highlighted that the firm’s revenue increased to £16.6 million for the year ending December 31 2019, up from £14.2m in 2018. AGR Automation’s pre-tax profits also rose from £1.1m in 2018, to £2.5m in last year.

• GlenAllachie Distillery appoints new USA distributor

The GlenAllachie Distillery has appointed Impex Beverages as its new USA distributor.

Starting from May 1 Impex Beverages became the new exclusive US importer for the Aberlour-based distillery’s brands. Through the new commercial relationship, The GlenAllachie Single Malt and MacNair’s Lum Reek Blended Malt will be distributed into around 20 additional states including key markets such as Texas and Colorado.

• Logan Energy selected as partner for £1.9 million Irish transport project

Edinburgh-based Logan Energy has been selected to supply and maintain a hydrogen refuelling station in Belfast to support the rollout of three hydrogen-fuelled double-decker buses in the city.

Logan Energy has been contracted by consortium partner, Energia Group due to its strong track record and experience in delivering hydrogen refuelling stations and integrated hydrogen technologies.

• NWH Group sees 60% rise in domestic skip hire

Dundee-based NWH Group has seen a record 60% increase in domestic skip customers.

The waste recycling business closed at the end of March following the implementation of the coronavirus lockdown measures. NWH Group has been able to unfurlough nine employees in order to support the increase in demand for its skips.

• Mainetti steps up PPE output

Jedburgh-based garment hanger producer and supplier Mainetti has increased its efforts to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) as it begins plastic apron production.

The firm announced last month that it had started producing protective face shields for front line workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Mainetti has now revealed that it plans to produce 300,000 disposable plastic aprons a week and will focus initially on supplying these to NHS and care home staff along with other key workers.