Biotech firm graduates from Ohio University

A locally-owned biotechnology company is expanding out of Ohio University's Innovation Center. Diagnostic Hybrids Inc.(DHI) officials celebrated last Friday the company's move into the former McBee Center on State Street. DHI develops and manufactures products that are used to diagnose viral diseases and other disorders, including herpes and respiratory diseases.

DHI was founded in 1983 and has increased revenues ten-fold over the past five years and in 2004 was included on Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest-growing private U.S. companies, according to the Ohio University website. This rapid growth made the move necessary for the company's 170 employees. The company's new State Street home will provide over 50,000 square feet.

The former McBee building has been vacant since Deluxe Corporation closed its doors in 2005. The closing of the McBee Systems check-printing plant left 360 Athens area workers unemployed.

Ohio University's Innovation Center, also known as a business incubator, has a mission to provide business services and resources, to foster entrepreneurship resulting in successful companies and a prosperous region.