Butterworth Laboratories has celebrated its 40th anniversary by inviting the Rt Hon. Dr Vincent Cable MP to officially open the company's recently refurbished laboratories and reception area in Waldegrave Road, Teddington, UK.
Back in 1974, a dream was made a reality when the laboratory doors of Butterworth Microanalytical Consultancy were opened; 40 years on with just a slight change to the name in 1977, and a move around the corner, Butterworth Laboratories is still going strong with Managing Director Doris Butterworth CSci CChem FRSC FIoD, at the helm.
When the National Physical Laboratory closed its elemental microanalysis lab in 1974, she had the foresight to recognise the growing need in industry to continue providing elemental microanalytical testing. From this conviction, Butterworth’s was born. Starting off with just one assistant, the company has grown in laboratory and associated office space to now accommodate more than 57 full time staff – and it is still growing.
'I am proud of the fact that we are still an independently run company with the reputation of providing high quality analytical laboratory services to both UK and international clients. Over the past five years or so, we have successfully navigated our way through the uncertain waters of the economic downturn and instead of just standing still we have grown steadily,' comments Doris Butterworth.
'This year we have not only been recognised in the Richmond and Twickenham Business Awards for Exports, but we have also completed a project which saw the movement of our archives off site to free up space for a much needed additional laboratory. The demand for our services is such that we need to improve the site we have occupied for more than 36 years and we have made an application to add a second storey to the existing footprint. It was a great honour to have Dr Vincent Cable recognise our long association and presence in Teddington and to help us celebrate this very special year.'
During the tour of the facilities, which included the new laboratory space, Dr Cable remarked: 'One of the things that you realise coming here is that there are outstanding, cutting edge organisations like Butterworth providing very high quality local employment, yet so few people know about them. This is why acknowledging them at the Richmond Business Awards is so important. Butterworth Laboratories has some expansion plans which seem very sensible and responsible, and I am perfectly happy to offer my general support.'
