Weatherbys Scientific relocates to new HQ just outside Naas

Weatherbys Scientific is uprooting to a purpose-built facility just outside Naas after an upsurge in business has resulted in their needing a bigger base.

The business has transformed in the last five years as a result of huge investment in genetic technologies and it is now established as one of Europe’s foremost laboratories.

It offers services to customers around the world, and not just for horses, from which its work originated.

As well as undertaking the parentage verification of all Irish-born thoroughbreds, Weatherbys Scientific caters for cattle, pigs, sheep, dogs and other animals.

Among its many specialist DNA services, it offers high-density genotyping, parentage verification, genetic traits, pedigree searching, species identification, forensic testing and biobanking using an array of technologies.

Dr Rebecca Weld, operations director at Weatherbys Scientific, said: “Our scientific business has grown tenfold in the last few years and we expect this growth will accelerate further in the coming years.

“Our new laboratory at the M7 business park will mean we will be able to grow with confidence and manage the business within a specialist facility complete with custom-built laboratories housing state-of-the-art technology platforms, designated sample receipt areas and extensive biobanking capabilities."

She added: “We're extremely grateful to our former landlords at the Irish Equine Centre and our move has simply been a question of outgrowing that facility.

"It is hoped that the equine element of the scientific business will return to the IEC in time. Indeed, Weatherbys General Stud Book will themselves possibly relocate from their office in Naas to the IEC as and when the redevelopment plans at that site are complete.”

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