A WORLD-leading wildlife tracking equipment facility has opened in Wareham.

Biotrack Ltd, the UK’s largest wildlife tracking equipment manufacturer, hosted a grand opening and tours of its new facility in the town’s former law courts.

The refurbished building was officially opened by wildlife filmmaker Simon King. He was joined by Michael Tomlinson MP, for mid Dorset and North Poole, mayor Cllr Dina Atkins, councillors, the architects, suppliers, customers and staff.

Mr King said: “It is an honour to be here today and take part in today’s just celebrations of the development of the company and everything that you do.”

Mr Tomlinson said: “It is really exciting to have an international business of this nature in Wareham, providing employment and business opportunities in Dorset and beyond.”

Set up by researchers from Oxford University in the 1970s, Biotrack is a world-renowned developer and manufacturer of wildlife tracking equipment.

Products manufactured by Biotrack range from tiny radio transmitters for insects to large collars for deer. Biotrack joined with Lotek in Canada in 2007 and Sirtrack in New Zealand in 2011 to create the world’s largest corporation in the field of wildlife tracking.

MD Brian Cresswell said: “We offer a vast array of tracking devices, with continuous technological development. Biotrack is proud to be a UK manufacturer and exporter developing cutting-edge equipment that contributes to understanding and conservation of the natural world.”

Jim Lotimer, CEO of Lotek, Biotrack’s parent company, flew in from Canada, and addressing the guests he announced that Biotrack now has customers in 110 countries and has designed and manufactured tracking tags for more than 1,000 wildlife species. He said: “Your partners world-wide send their warmest congratulations – we’re really, really proud”.

A community open day with guided tours will be held at Biotrack on Worgret Road on Thursday, May 26, 1-4pm. For information call 01929 552992, or visit biotrack.co.uk.