Medical testing company CIGA Healthcare has secured contracts worth £1.4m in total with Walmart Marketplace and Austria DM.
CIGA Healthcare in Ballymena, founded by chief executive Irwin Armstrong in 2005, is now a global leader in over-the-counter and professional diagnostic tests, with its Suresign brand used by pharmacies and healthcare providers worldwide.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced the deals during a visit to the company’s headquarters yesterday.
She said: “The success of CIGA Healthcare in securing these contracts highlights the international opportunities available to companies in the North.
“This achievement demonstrates how our life and health sciences sector can compete and win on the global stage.
“It was inspiring today to hear about the company’s collaboration with Ulster University to develop innovative diagnostic tests for heart failure and dementia.
“These advancements will no doubt help to further strengthen its global reputation and position the company as a leader in improving patient care globally.”
CIGA Healthcare won its contract with Walmart Marketplace, the ecommerce division of Walmart, after pitching to senior executives of the retail giant.
They met at an event hosted by Invest NI in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The contract with pharmacy Austria DM followed a visit to the country organised by Invest NI in October 2023.
The Department for the Economy said that “Invest NI’s matchmaking efforts, connecting companies like CIGA Healthcare with key stakeholders at major corporations such as Walmart and DM, proved crucial in securing these deals”.
Mr Armstrong added: “The global diagnostic market is growing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for companies like ours.
“Our new contract wins with Walmart Marketplace and Austria DM showcases the value of our commitment to quality, accuracy and supply chain excellence.
“As a brand, we are already well established in the UK, Ireland, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa.
“We envisage that today’s announcement will further build our global reputation and help us break into new markets such as the Far East and Asia to supply our products to leading pharmacies.
“We are particularly grateful for the support from Invest NI, which has been instrumental in helping us achieve these milestones.”
Anne Beggs, executive director of international business and skills at Invest NI, said: “Helping Northern Ireland businesses succeed internationally by commercialising their innovations is a key driver of economic growth.
“Additionally, with dual market access, Northern Ireland manufacturers continue to benefit from the ability to move goods freely to all 27 EU countries, avoiding the need for customs declarations and checks.
“CIGA is an excellent example of this in action and has grown into a world leader in rapid diagnostic testing.
“Our tailored trade advice, research, and network-building initiatives, as well as collaboration with DBT, has paved the way for CIGA to win these contracts.”