Microbac: Southern Testing and Research - Analytical Testing and Research Services
The mission of Southern Testing and Research Division is to provide high quality, diversified analytical testing and research services and products in the chemical and microbiological sciences, while maintaining a high standard of integrity, enthusiastically serving the needs of our clients, and building a stable and rewarding workplace for our employees.
Overview
As a member of the nationwide Microbac laboratory group, Southern Testing & Research Division is an independent, full service laboratory offering a wide range of chemical and microbiological testing and research services for the environmental, food/feed, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and industrial hygiene industries. From our state-of-the-art laboratory facility, our dedicated staff is eager to provide you with high quality analytical testing and research support.
History
Our laboratory was started in 1936 by Mr. William A. Bridgers Sr. and was housed in his father's company, Farmer's Cotton Oil, under the name Agricultural Products Laboratory. In 1952, with three employees, the laboratory moved to 607 Park Avenue in Wilson. At this time, the name was changed and the company was incorporated as Southern Testing and Research Laboratories, Inc. For many years, Southern Testing served the eastern half of North Carolina as a reliable (and sometimes only) source for chemical analyses, serving primarily the agricultural and environmental industries.
In 1987 with 10 employees, the lab was purchased by Dr. Ken Boyer. From this point forward, Southern Testing followed a course of expanding its services into the food/nutritional analyses, pesticide residue, pharmaceuticals, and microbiological testing and research support areas. By 1990, the increased services and personnel additions warranted construction of a 19,000 sq. ft. laboratory and office complex located at 3809 Airport Drive, Wilson, NC. Another smaller expansion in 1994, to include a state-of-the-art environmental chamber stability facility, increased the size of the Southern Testing & Research Laboratories facility to 21,000 sq. ft.
On September 1, 1998 Southern Testing, with a staff of over 100 chemists, microbiologists,and support professionals, was purchased by J. Trevor Boyce, the president of Microbac Laboratories, Inc., a nationwide group of 20-plus labs with headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. Although Southern Testing became closely allied with Microbac as a result of this acquisition, it remained a fully independent corporation with no significant changes in the management, staffing, services, or strategic direction of the laboratory.
On April 3, 2000, Dr. Ken Boyer stepped down as President and Dr. Kim Baughman, who had served as the Technical Director of Southern Testing since May 1992, was promoted to Managing Director (a new title for the top leadership role that was adopted with the phase out of the title of President). At that time, Ken Boyer assumed a part time role as Technical Advisor and Webmaster for the company.
On February 28, 2002, Southern Testing became fully integrated into Microbac Laboratories, Inc., operating as the Southern Testing and Research Division of Microbac Laboratories, Inc. In October 2002, a new 12,000 sq. ft. building expansion was completed. This expansion increased our laboratory size to over 33,000 sq. ft. under roof and has enabled us to continue expanding our staff and the scope of services provided.
On May 1, 2004, Dr. Baughman, who had served as Managing Director since April 2000, was promoted to Director of Development for Microbac Laboratories, Inc. Dr. Joe Yakupkovic, who has served as Technical Director since March 2003, was promoted to Managing Director of Southern Testing and Research Division.
Personnel
Southern Testing's staff include over 100 chemists, microbiologists and support personnel who collectively represent a wide range of educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds.
Location
Southern Testing is located in Wilson, NC, a progressive community of about 50,000 people situated approximately 50 miles east of the Research Triangle Park, only two miles from Interstate-95, halfway between New York and Florida.
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