Smithers, having entered the market in 2005 with Smithers Synomics Pharma, aimed to expand its capabilities in this space. While businesses can grow organically or through acquisitions, Smithers chose the latter to quickly strengthen its position in the life sciences sector.
Patent expirations in 2012 were increasing, leading to more medications losing patent protection, which opened the door for generics. While this benefited the public economically, pharmaceutical companies faced significant financial losses. In this environment, Ira DuBey approached Mike about acquiring Avanza Labs, a company that had both a mammalian toxicology lab and a bioanalytical lab. Smithers acquired Avanza Labs, which merged with Smithers Synomics Pharma to form Smithers Avanza. This company joined Smithers other divisions, including Smithers Scientific Services, Smithers Quality Assessments, and Smithers RAPRA, under The Smithers Group.
The acquisition came at a time of growing concern over environmental issues, including fracking, pesticide use, and the global warming debate. After the acquisition, Volker Bornemann, President of Smithers Viscient, worked with his team to find a new facility for ESG. They prioritized a location near the former Covance site to retain key staff, many of whom had been with Covance for decades. After a lengthy search, the team found a suitable location in Harrogate: an empty Milk Marketing Board building. Originally built for milk distribution, the site offered the flexibility to create state-of-the-art laboratories for Smithers Environmental Risk Sciences Division.
The Harrogate facility became Smithers third in the UK, joining locations in Leatherhead and Shawbury. At 87 years old, Smithers had expanded from a small garage in Akron, Ohio, to a global company with facilities in China, Europe, and the U.S. This growth showed no signs of slowing, marking a new chapter in the company’s evolution.
Client Testimonials
Careers
Mission, Purpose, and Values
Our History
Innovate With Confidence
Executive Leadership
News
Experts
Accreditations
- The First Thirty Years: 1925-1955
- Building Upon a Trusted Brand - Evolution: 1956-1975
- Resilience and Expansion: 1976-1985
- Beginning of a New Era: 1986-1990
- Diversification and a New Era: 1991-2005
- A Flurry of Growth Activity: 2006-2011
- Expansion in the Life Sciences: 2012
- Organic Growth Period: 2013-2017
- Unity, Growth, and Resilience: 2018-2020
- Pushing the Boundaries of What is Possible: 2021-2024