First RAT manufacturing facility set to open in Victoria

The Victorian Government is supporting local manufacturing of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in Victoria, that will deliver millions of tests for Victorians.

Victorian companies Lumos Diagnostics and Plannet Innovation will establish a Rapid Diagnostics Manufacturing Facility and Innovation Hub that is set to produce one million rapid tests by April and build up capacity to deliver up to 50 million tests a year by October.

Importantly, the facility will extend beyond COVID-19 tests and will produce diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, tropical diseases, chronic diseases and reproductive health.

Through the innovation hub, local start-ups, research and development institutes and small-to-medium businesses will also have access to product development and manufacturing support programs.

Safe, fast and reliable testing is an essential part of Victoria’s response to COVID-19, and local manufacturing will secure access to rapid testing for Victorians.

The project will create at least 70 ongoing jobs, adding to Victoria’s thriving medical and advanced manufacturing sector that already employs thousands of Victorians across the state.