Our History

On November 1^st 2011, Cherwell Laboratories celebrated 40 years in business. Cherwell was founded by Lawrence Whittard as a veterinary diagnostic laboratory and over the years has evolved into a manufacturing and distribution company offering a fully integrated range of products for environmental monitoring and validation of sterilisation processes.

Despite the changes and significant growth which have occurred over the years, we are proud of our origins and maintain a focus on supplying high quality products with excellent customer service.

'It is very satisfying to see how the company has developed, although I would never have guessed the path it would follow back in 1971! I am very pleased that it has matured into a stable and profitable enterprise with a stable customer base.’

Lawrence Whittard, Founder of Cherwell Laboratories

 

 

 

• 2011
• 1991 - 2010
• 1971 - 1990 (The Early Years)

 

2011

• Cherwell Laboratories celebrates 40 years in business. Press release: Cherwell Laboratories celebrates 40^th anniversary
• Cherwell secures the UK distributorship for Raven Laboratories' and Apex Laboratories' range of biological indicators. The addition of biological indicators to the existing range means we can now offer a fully integrated range of products for the validation of sterilisation processes. Press release: Cherwell Laboratories secures Raven biological indicators distributorship
• In response to customer requests for paper-free materials, Cherwell introduces paper-free labelling on all Redipor products. Press release: Cherwell Laboratories goes paper-free on Redipor products
• Plans to increase our facilities’ footprint to enable us to increase our manufacturing and warehousing capacity are announced. Press release: Cherwell Laboratories to open new facilities

  

1991 - 2010

2010

• A UK distribution agreement is secured for the DataTrace range of self-contained, wireless, high precision data loggers which are used in critical manufacturing, quality control and validation processes. Press release: Cherwell secures distribution agreement for DataTrace wireless data loggers
• Bio Products Laboratory (BPL) enhances microbiological safety by installing a specially modified SAS Super Isolator system from Cherwell Laboratories. Press release: Cherwell further enhances microbiological safety at BPL.
• The scope of our ISO Quality Management System is extended to include the supply, service and calibration of SAS air samplers.

2009

Our ISO Quality Management System is upgraded to the new 2008 version.

2008

In response to the increasing use of vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) decontamination methods, Cherwell develops and validates Barrier Pack, new gas impermeable packaging for the Redipor range of irradiated microbiological media.

2004

Cherwell relocates to a new site in Bicester bringing the various elements of the business under one roof for the first time in 8 years. Designed and built from a clear site, the new facility provided improved manufacturing capabilities within a 5,000 sq. ft. Clean Room manufacturing suite.

2003

Cherwell becomes one of the first UK based prepared media manufacturers to successfully achieve transition to the new ISO9001:2000 quality management standard.

2000

A new range of ‘MiniCub’ incubators is developed by Cherwell, the compact units for up to 20 dipslides or 30 petri dishes feature several design/construction enhancements on the previous Enkab Mini Incubator model.

1997

Our Redipor prepared media manufacturing facility is registered to the ISO Quality Management System

1992

Cherwell develops the Multi-SAS microbial air sampling system with a major pharmaceutical manufacturer. The system is developed to allow higher numbers of samples to be taken whilst minimising the increase in staff costs

 

1971 - 1990 (The Early Years)

Late 1980’s

The veterinary laboratory closes but the microbiology facility is retained to support the marketing of Redipor prepared media.

Early 1980’s

In response to customer requests for pre poured Contact plates for their air samplers, Cherwell Laboratories started the manufacture of Redipor prepared media. From these humble beginnings manufacturing hand filled contact plates in a small laboratory, a full range of prepared culture media products has developed.

1979

Cherwell begin marketing the SAS environmental air sampler, a fairly unique battery powered, portable unit offering opportunities within new markets, particularly the pharmaceutical industry.

1976

Appointed UK agent for Pool Bioanalysis Italiana (now PBI International) promoting and servicing a range of media preparation equipment for microbiology laboratories

1974

Incorporated as a limited company

Early 1970’s

Cherwell approached to carry out analytical and advisory work for a company supplying liquid feed for cattle plus hay and silage analyses for another feed company.

1971

Cherwell Laboratories founded on 1^st November 1971 by Lawrence Whittard as a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The company was originally based in temporary accommodation (a large greenhouse) before moving into purpose built facilities.

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