Biotech firm has plans to expand site

A manufacturing firm in Kidderminster which makes molecules to be used in cancer research is bucking the credit crunch trend by announcing plans to expand and to create new jobs in the area.

Severn Biotech makes small protein molecules for laboratory research and said their business has steadily grown over the last few years to become a familiar name in cancer research throughout the world.

The company, based in Park Lane, is now planning to create new jobs at its base and build a new block so there is more room for new product lines which the company plans to manufacture in the future.

The development will be a two-storey office with a laboratory building which will have a glazed glass link to the existing building.

Managing director Andrew Smart, aged 48, from Stourbridge, launched the company 18 years ago.

"We need more room to carry out the work we do," he said.

"The firm has become more established and over the last few years business has steadily grown.

"We have put in a planning application for a new block which will be offices and a laboratory."

A car park and cycle rack, boundary wall and fencing also also included in the plans.

The new building will be built on a former brownfield site and the company said it would breathe new life in the area. It also plans to take on four new members of staff, which are likely to be science graduates.