26 Aug 2009 --- Silliker, the world leader in the field of food safety and quality services and part of the Mérieux Alliance group of companies, announced it has invested in the MicroChem Laboratory, a full-service food testing organization with three locations in India. The laboratory provides food processors, exporters, wholesalers, packagers, and retailers with microbiology, physical, chemistry and research services. Silliker will share joint ownership of the company with Dr. Deepa Bhajekar, the founder of MicroChem.

Headquartered in Thane (near Mumbai), one of the country’s leading industrial centers, MicroChem was established in 2000. With regional laboratories in Delhi and Pune, the company currently employs over 40 skilled analysts and technicians. MicroChem is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. In addition, Dr. Bhajekar was appointed to serve on the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety & Standard Authority of India advising on new food safety guidelines.

Under terms of the investment, Dr. Bhajekar and her team will continue in their leadership roles. To better serve local and international clients, Silliker will support and expand MicroChem’s existing analytical, technological and service capabilities.

“India is the world’s fastest growing country and this investment reflects our strategic ambition to expand our international presence and scope of services in southern Asia,” said Philippe Sans, CEO of Silliker Group Corp. “Under Dr. Bhajekar’s forward vision and leadership, MicroChem has become one of the country’s most trusted and respected food testing providers. Together, we will aggressively pursue expansion opportunities throughout India and leverage our resources to meet the needs of food companies in today’s global marketplace.”

“Like Silliker, MicroChem is committed to operational excellence and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” Dr. Bhajekar stated. “Silliker is recognized globally for its internal quality systems, and we are looking forward to working with their industrial performance team to assure a seamless integration of their world-class systems at our operations. From day one, our goal is to provide our clients with the highest levels of quality, customer service and technical support.”

The MicroChem Laboratory is one of India’s premier food testing providers. With its Central Laboratory in the growing industrial center of Thane, near Mumbai, the company was founded in 2000 by Dr. Deepa Bhajekar. MicroChem serves food processors and exporters in every industry segment from three regional locations, including Delhi and Pune. The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC: 17025 by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).