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Glasgow's global centre of excellence for biosafety

Last updated: January 2026

SGS Vitrology is ambitious to grow its annual revenues from £30 million to £70 million within 10 years. It's already Scotland’s Global Centre of Excellence for Biosafety Testing, illustrating the nation’s significant trade and investment potential in this sector.

Worldwide biosafety solutions from Glasgow

When the world faced a critical emergency, organisations rallied to the cause to develop and test crucial biosafety solutions - and fast. 

One such innovator is SGS Vitrology Ltd. Based in Clydebank, Glasgow, the company played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic: it provided an innovative testing solution, rapidly scaling biosafety testing and supporting the release of four billion vaccine batches.

This included those for AstraZeneca and other global manufacturers. Originally founded in 2007 as a Scottish start-up, the firm was acquired in 2012 by Swiss multinational SGS S.A, headquartered in Geneva. SGS S.A is the world’s largest inspection, verification, testing and certification business. It has a £6.3 billion annual revenue, employing almost 100,000 people across 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.  

SGS Vitrology proves the power of Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem globally. 

  • Headcount increase: 153 to 239

    The firm will increase its Scottish workforce, based on the country's highly skilled life sciences talent pool. 

  • £70 million revenues targeted in 10 years

    A £55 million investment will add 2,000m² of lab and office space for long term growth.

  • Scotland's global life sciences sector

    The nation is synonymous across the world as being an innovator in life sciences for over 100 years. 

A cornerstone of Scotland’s life sciences sector

Dr Archie Lovatt, SGS Vitrology Scientific Operations Director, says: “There’s a reason why manufacturers believe in us. Our 20 plus year history in advanced medicines, and rapid response to the pandemic gave global manufacturers confidence in us. We could stand before them to say we developed half of the world’s COVID-19 doses during 2020-22. This was due to the outstanding service delivery and efforts by our talented team.”

Following the firm’s acquisition, SGS Vitrology has become a cornerstone of Scotland’s thriving life sciences sector. It’s now the Global Centre of Excellence for biosafety testing within the SGS group, with capabilities for all biologics, viral vaccines, cell and gene therapies. 

But it wasn't just the pandemic where the company had to go above and beyond in innovation: SGS has a proven track record in developing and testing critical health emergency responses to other infectious threats, such as Swine Flu and the Ebola threat. 

With 85% of turnover coming from international clients, SGS Vitrology is a major exporter of high-value services, leveraging Scotland as a global hub for biosafety testing.

A 100-year old life sciences sector

Dr Lovatt adds: “We are truly an international business with customers in many European and Asian countries, and in the largest US market. Scotland is synonymous across the world as being an innovator in life sciences for over 100 years.” 

The Swiss parent group’s decision to invest in the company and Scotland reflects several strategic advantages: the nation’s life sciences sector is internationally recognised for its depth of scientific expertise. 

Glasgow and Central Scotland provides access to a highly skilled workforce, enabling SGS Vitrology to recruit and retain top talent. Scotland also provides a collaborative environment for R&D, with strong links between academia, industry, and government. 

Dr Archie Lovatt, Scientific Operations Director, SGS Vitrology.

£55 million investment in Glasgow

These factors underpinned major investments in the Clydebank, Glasgow facility in 2007, 2017 and 2021. They included a doubling of laboratory space and the introduction of advanced testing platforms. This is part of a strategic investment by SGS Geneva to further transform its Glasgow facility into a global innovation hub. The plan includes building world-class laboratories equipped with advanced technologies to support new services, digital integration, and process capabilities. 

With a total investment of £55 million to date, the project will add 2,000m² of lab and office space. Headcount in Scotland will increase from 153 to 239, securing long-term growth and doubling revenues.

Grant incentives for global growth

The firm has benefited from extensive engagement with Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency, and its global arm, Scottish Development International. 

SGS Vitrology’s growth strategy aligns closely with Scottish Enterprise’s missions. By supporting the development of safe and effective biopharmaceuticals, SGS Vitrology contributes to sustainable healthcare solutions. Support has included a £1.79 million grant in 2017 to help the firm’s first expansion, creating over 50 new jobs. Our global sales field team assisted with customer identification and event participation, supporting the company’s focus on the American market. 

Scottish start-up to a global leader

In the summer of 2025, SGS Group and the life sciences firm met with Scottish Enterprise’s Managing Director for International Operations, Reuben Aitken and Scotland’s Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Loanhead.

Reuben Aitken, says: “SGS Vitrology’s continued growth in Scotland is a powerful endorsement of our life sciences sector. Its decision to expand in Clydebank and develop world-class R&D capabilities demonstrates Scotland’s strength in innovation, talent, and global connectivity. This commitment reinforces our position as a leading biosafety testing hub and helps to shape the future of healthcare worldwide.”

SGS Vitrology’s journey from a Scottish start-up to a global leader demonstrates the power of Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem.

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