Company History
2008
Early in 2008, Farfield launched the latest iteration of the Dual Polarisation Interferometer, the AnaLight® 4D. In addition to the traditional measurements of molecular dimensions and density on surfaces, this revolutionary concept in biomolecular measurement quantifies the degree of order and disruption in lipid bilayers. Comprehension of lipid bilayer construction, behaviour, adsorption and absorption of peptides, aggregation mechanisms, membrane protein interactions and receptor studies are now all possible in a single real time laboratory instrument.
2007
This year sees the initiation of a key strategic alliance with Malvern Instruments Ltd. (UK), giving Malvern exclusive distribution rights for the AnaLight® range of analytical instruments in the USA, South and Central America. This year also sees the sale and installation of the first AnaLight® instrument in China. Continued focus on opportunities in the Far East drives a distribution agreement with a new partner in Japan, Sysmex Corporation. Dr Robert C Hutton joins as Sales and Marketing Director with a remit to grow sales through a direct sales network.
2006
Early 2006 saw the independent verification of DPI theory and measurements by the National Physical Laboratory and the launch of the AnaLight® CrystaLight™ instrument for the early-stage detection of protein crystallisation. The expanded product range and increased sales and marketing capability will move Farfield towards its goal of being a preferred supplier of measurement solutions to the demanding needs of the biophysics and surface science communities. To support a market expansion in the USA, Farfield set up a new office in Pittsburgh with Dr Neville Freeman moving to the USA as Vice President of Farfield Inc. joined by Dr Mark Gostock from the UK. Farfield Inc. rapidly established many advocates for its technology in fields such as HIV research and also cancer research.
2005
Continued growth of Farfield's worldwide biophysics and surface science customer base, coupled with organisational expansion to strengthen the company's commercial capabilities. Louise Madden joins as Finance Director. The increasing size of, and demands on, the company lead to relocation from Salford to the purpose-built Farfield House on Crewe Business Park in Cheshire. The new facility includes dedicated laboratory, training and seminar facilities.
2004
Farfield builds on the success of the AnaLight® Bio200 instrument with the launch of the automated AnaLight® Flex system for greater sample throughput and the AnaLight® Quantum system for surface science and Nanotechnology and applications. Farfield is rapidly expanding its business worldwide, with a growing customer base advocating Farfield's scientific credibility, integrity and missionary approach to bridging the measurement needs of the life and physical sciences.
2003
Expansion continues through the establishment of a worldwide sales, service and support network for Farfield's products. Dr Kathryn Chapman joins to increase commercial activity. Farfield also concentrates on manufacturing and quality assurance, through the appointment of a manufacturing partner (MEMS, Singapore) and receives ISO9001:2000 accreditation and Investor in People status.
2002
Full product launch of the AnaLight® Bio200 instrument. Farfield takes its first instrument sales and the AnaLight® Bio200 receives worldwide acclaim. Dr Simon Carrington joins to bring commercial focus to Farfield's business and improve its market positioning by focusing on biophysical, surface science research.
2001
Positive feedback from beta-testing leads to Farfield developing its first commercial product, the AnaLight® Bio200, the world's first DPI-based analytical instrument for the measurement of real-time structural change in molecular systems as they function.
2000
Due diligence of DPI technology is completed and Dr Gerry Ronan joins Farfield as Chief Executive Officer. The research phase concludes with the decision to focus DPI technology on the biophysics and surface science markets. Farfield is comfortable with the fundamentals of the DPI detection method, instrument flow systems and surface chemistry. Development of the first commercial iteration of DPI begins and the AnaLight® Bio250 is released to beta-test sites in late 2000.
1998-1999
Further research and development into the potential for using DPI for a range of applications including gas sensing, humidity sensing, refractometry and biointeraction analysis.
1997
Farfield Sensors Limited, the company that would later become Scientific Instruments Division, is founded in Salford, Greater Manchester with seed funding from Worknorth II, Manchester Airport's Technology Venture fund. Research and development of the fundamentals of DPI are undertaken with the objective of developing a range of sensor platform technologies.
1996
Dr Neville Freeman conceives of the idea behind Dual Polarisation Interferometry (DPI) as a robust and reproducible sensor technology and, together with Dr Graham Cross from Durham University, develops the concept and files the original DPI patent.