2002 sees Grant Instruments, a UK manufacturer of laboratory and data logging equipment, celebrate its half centenary
As one of the founding member companies of the 'Cambridge Phenomenon', Grant Instruments is a prime example of a Cambridge success story, excelling in the design, manufacture and worldwide marketing of laboratory products.
Grant's laboratory water baths have been in continuous production since the company was founded by two Cambridge University graduates, Peter Ward and Cecil Chapman.
The oldest bath known to be still in use in the UK was manufactured in 1959.
It's reassuring to know that Grant's high quality, robust and reliable products can stand the test of time! Over the past 50 years Grant has manufactured over 200,000 baths of various types, 45% of them exported to over 100 countries all around the world through an extensive network of specialist local distributors.
Today, Grant's skilled workforce designs and manufactures on site a wide range of laboratory apparatus ranging from baths/circulators, thermostats and dry block heaters to specialist equipment such as blood warmers for use in hospitals and an inspissator to help detect tuberculosis.
The Grant brand is synonymous with quality and reliability amongst its customers and users.
Nowadays the company employs over 100 staff in modern premises set in an attractive rural location on the outskirts of Cambridge.
Lately, some important developments have take place at Grant.
Earlier this year, Grant acquired a majority shareholding in Datataker, an Australian based data logging and data acquisition company.
The move has given Grant a springboard into the Pacific Rim market and strengthened the company's presence in the global data acquisition products market.
The near-horizon sees the launch of an exciting new range of products, the introduction of lean manufacturing practices and investment in integrated IT systems.
In addition, Grant is aiming to achieve the Investors in People accreditation and full ISO9001:2000 registration in the coming year.
Ludo Chapman, son of Cecil, who recently took over as managing director comments on Grant's bright future ahead: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all Grant's customers, suppliers and staff who have supported us over the past fifty years.
We are committed to a strategy of growing, strengthening and developing our business through the continued development of new products, acquisitions and partnerships.
"In the coming years we will be investing more heavily than ever to support our customers and our business with innovative products and enhanced customer service to ensure what we have to offer is second to none." For Grant the Jubilee Year is most definitely an occasion to celebrate, both in reflection of the accomplishments over the past 50 years, and in anticipation of yet more success to come.
