Silliker Celebrates Grand Opening of New Flagship Lab

25 Sep 2012 --- Silliker, Inc., the leading international network of food safety testing and consulting laboratories, celebrates the grand opening of their Silliker Solution Center, the flagship laboratory for North America. Over 300 food industry professionals participated in scientific forums and laboratory tours at the new 71,000 square-foot facility, the largest laboratory in the extensive Silliker global network. The Silliker Solution Center will be home to both the Illinois Analytical Lab and the Food Science Center.

Built to meet today’s global testing demands and with future growth in mind, the Silliker Solution Center includes:
 

• Expanded analytical chemistry capabilities underscored by significant investment in new cutting-edge instrumentation

• Advanced Nutritional Chemistry testing for composition and nutritional labeling

• Increased profile of chemistry testing methods for current and emerging chemical contaminants

• State-of-the-art microbiology testing and serology expertise

• Enhanced capabilities for contract research programs including shelf life and challenge studies

Dr. John H. Silliker, founder of Silliker over 45 years ago, joined leaders of the Mérieux NutriSciences Board of Directors, including Johannes Burlin, President of Silliker NA, Philippe Sans, President and CEO, Mérieux NutriSciences; Russell Flowers, Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer, Mérieux NutriSciences; and Alexandre Mérieux, Vice President of the Mérieux Alliance; for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Silliker is one of three subsidiaries of the Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation, along with Biofortis and Bioagri.

 

Philippe Sans stated, “The opening of the Silliker Solution Center is consistent with our global strategic plan to provide our valued customers with the highest level of service from operations based on the latest technologies and instrumentation, combined with a dedicated team focused on operational excellence.”

 

Construction on the $14 million dollar facility was completed in August 2012 and utilized advanced workflow design to maximize efficiency and to minimize any potential for contamination.

 

“This is a major milestone for Silliker operations in North America,” remarked Johannes Burlin. “The Silliker Solution Center significantly enhances our ability to deliver practical and innovative solutions for food safety and quality management throughout the food supply chain.”