Campden BRI expands chemistry department

Campden BRI has opened a brand new, purpose-built laboratory at its Chipping Campden site.

The new lab brings together all of Campden BRI’s food composition activities, which includes the company’s food specification team, food composition group and metals laboratory. The laboratory is UKAS accredited for over 30 different tests, including and meat and fish content, all FIC energy analyses, and trace metal analysis.

The additional space will integrate the analytical services with compliance checking of tariff codes after the company won retention of a significant three year contract with HM Revenue and Customs to provide specialist testing and consultation services last month.

David Miles, Head of the Food Composition Section said:

“We are delighted with our new modern facility. We have designed the laboratory for maximum efficiency, safety and use of space using a Lean Six Sigma tool called Systematic Layout Planning. Having all our food composition services in a single, bespoke laboratory will improve efficiency and the additional space will enable us to expand our analysis services in future.”

Over the coming months, additional new equipment and a new Laboratory Information Management System will be installed in the lab, which will enable the section to offer an even wider range of services to members and clients.

The new laboratory is the latest in a programme of continued development across the company’s two UK sites at Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and Nutfield, Surrey. Since the beginning of 2013, Campden BRI has invested over £2 million in equipment and facilities which includes FTIR Spectroscopy and GC/QToF systems, as well as a new sample receipt centre, a microbiological process hall and a specialist sparkling wine facility. The company’s microbiology wing and reception areas have also been completely refurbished.