Cawood, the UK’s largest provider of analytical laboratory testing services for land-based industries, has acquired the Scottish microbiology and food chemistry testing laboratory, Express Micro Science (EMS).
EMS performs microbiological testing services for the food, leisure, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries, to ensure products are safe for use and consumption.
This acquisition takes Cawood into a new market for food safety testing, extending the group’s agri food capability to the whole supply chain.
“The Cawood group already has a leadership position in agricultural analysis,” said Simon Parrington, group CEO.
With EMS, we are now in a unique position to provide an end-to-end service for agrifood, starting with soil and plant tissue analysis for farmers and ecotoxicology testing for crop inputs.
“Now we can take food all the way through the chain up to quality control analysis for food on supermarket shelves all over the UK.”
Who are EMS?
Based in West Lothian, Scotland, EMS will operate as a division of Cawood, strengthening the group’s geographic reach and creating new opportunities for both businesses.
“We are thrilled to be joining Cawood as our businesses are totally aligned, both in our vision for the future and our culture and values,” said Jennifer Newton, managing director of EMS.
“Becoming part of Cawood will allow us to grow and invest in our capabilities and capacity with the backing of the wider group.
“We are looking forward to working together to build both businesses, continuing to provide pinpoint accurate data and exceptional service for our customers,” added Will Bates, director of EMS.
“I am delighted to welcome directors Jennifer and Will, the wider management team, and all our new colleagues to Cawood,” continued Simon.
EMS has an excellent reputation for expertise in meticulous analytical testing and innovative solutions within the food safety sector. This fits perfectly with our strategy of extending our services to meet increasing customer needs and support a safer, healthier planet.
“Both Cawood and our new parent company, Ensign Bickford-Industries, are ready to support and invest in EMS as it continues to grow.”
