DIAGNOSTIC testing company R-Biopharm Rhône has reported a record year, thanks to strong organic growth in export markets.

The Glasgow company, a subsidiary of German diagnostics firm R-Biopharm AG, said its accounts for 2012 will show turnover growing 21.5% from £5.3 million to £6.4m.

That lift in income helped pre-tax profits surge more than 70% from £700,000 to almost £1.2m.

The business, based at the West of Scotland Science Park, had previously indicated it received a six-figure boost as a result of a large increase in lab testing following the horsemeat scare earlier this year and continuing strong demand for its products around the world is expected to see turnover top £7m during 2013.

Some 75% of the kits it makes are sold outside the UK mainly to food manufacturing businesses plus governments and private laboratories.

The kits are used to check for a range of naturally occurring poisons and ensure products being shipped for consumption are safe and meet regulatory requirements.

Simon Bevis, managing director, said: "We have been very encouraged by continuing successes in markets abroad. Sales in Asia are up by 50% to 60%, in Latin America we have seen a 50% increase and we have significant growth in Eastern Europe, too.

"It shows we have got our focus right. About three years ago, we decided to focus on emerging markets and we have managed to grow market share in those economies.

"Even subtracting the horsemeat blip, I would say we are growing faster this year than last year."

Mr Bevis said the company is also using its greater scale to get better terms from its suppliers and is considering bringing some outsourced functions back in-house.

A business development manager is starting with the company in the next few weeks and will be in charge of marketing a recently launched new system, called Immunoprep, for analysis of samples.

The automated process being used is expected to cut-out large amounts of manual work for laboratory staff and help to reduce costs in bigger laboratories by up to 30%.

Mr Bevis added: "We are continually seeking new opportunities and can look forward confidently to a prosperous future. We will continue to look to add staff if things keep progressing."

Mr Bevis said the company was working towards Investors in People gold status, having received the bronze award during 2012.

R-Biopharm AG has subsidiaries in the US, Italy, France, Latin America, Brazil, Spain, Australia and China.