Lansing-based
Neogen Corp. is spreading its reach further around the globe. Its Scotland-based European subsidiary has struck an agreement to develop a laboratory in Beijing in partnership with the Chinese government.
The lab will focus on Chinese food safety and plant health issues. Testing methods and data developed there will be used by more than 30 other labs throughout China.
"This agreement represents a great opportunity for Neogen to be at the forefront in helping develop food safety and plant health solutions specifically for the Chinese," says Jim Herbert, Neogen's CEO.
A recent high-level meeting between the Chinese minister of quality supervision, inspection and quarantine; Scotland's first minister; the United Kingdom's ambassador to China; and Neogen representatives, led to the final agreement.
"This is fantastic news for Neogen Europe, Scottish jobs and businesses and for our international reputation," says Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond. "The pace of progress following our meeting . . . in China last month is a remarkable testament to the impressive work of Neogen Europe, the potential for Scottish businesses in China and the lasting cooperation built."
The company's Neogen Europe subsidiary, based in Ayr, Scotland, does research and development of diagnostic tests for plant diseases and food safety, and also markets products from other Neogen locations.
Neogen Europe was honored last year with the Queen's Award for Enterprise—the most prestigious business award in the United Kingdom.
Source: Jim Herbert, Neogen
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached
here.
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