Biotechnology company, Biotron opened a new export factory and laboratory in Acacia Ridge. Queensland Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker, who officially opened the AU$4.5 million building, said the state-of-the-art facility was a fantastic investment that would expand the science related companies that call Queensland home.

Bioproton, which was founded in 1984 in Finland, relocated to Brisbane, Australia in 1993. 

“Bioproton is a Brisbane based agri-technology firm, which has grown from a humble start-up firm to today employing 15 staff,” Mr Walker said.

“This is a fantastic example of a home grown company that is turning great ideas into great opportunities.

“Bioproton is a true Queensland success story, exporting their feed enzyme products to over 40 countries,” Mr Walker said.

The opening was the culmination of long-held ambitions to bring together the production and research activities of Bioproton into a single purpose built location,

with new production lines and a fully equipped laboratory. It will also serve as a hub for Australian and international research and commercial development of biotechnology; enabling collaboration between research and commercial partner, such as Bioproton’s long-standing research program with The University of Queensland.

“We operate in global markets and therefore need to continue to invest in research and facilities so we can continue to succeed in the international marketplace,” Bioproton General Manager Henrik von Hellens said.

“The immediate benefits are the ability to manufacture our products with shorter leadtime, improved quality control and higher efficiency.

“In the longer-term, the facility will enable us to work collaboratively with partners from academia, research and industry to introduce new science based technologies that will help reduce environmental impact and costs.”