Seward merged with its sister company C-Tech Electronics to form a vertically integrated manufacturing company called FermionX in 2016.
There was no change to Seward’s name and the high standard of operation known and expected by its customers also remained, but with the added benefits of increased technical resource for research and development (R&D), customer support, and manufacturing.
The merger represented a significant development for stakeholders, creating a company with combined turnover of circa £6m. This move consolidated two companies with shared core values on strong customer relationships, quality, and value-added products and service.
FermionX continued to operate through its respective individual brands: Seward, manufacturers of globally renowned Stomacher® lab blenders; and C-Tech Electronics, providing comprehensive electronic contract manufacturing services. The company aimed to leverage both brands’ respective strengths for the benefit of its customers with greater resources for manufacturing, R&D, and global sales.
The merger provided a greater technical resource for Seward to enhance its R&D strategy, an area that gained emphasis with the launch of the Stomacher® 400 EVO laboratory blender and Insterprep® range of pre-weighed, sterile media.
Under the C-Tech Electronics brand, the company has a highly successful and flexible manufacturing service, providing comprehensive contract electronic manufacturing solutions with expertise and experience from PCB design to complete box-build.
The new company was led by John Patrick, whose family started C-Tech Electronics. Mr Patrick said: "Establishing FermionX is an immensely exciting step, developing a company that can provide end-to-end electronic manufacturing solutions, with a final product mind-set. The consolidated resource from all companies will allow us to quickly respond to market opportunities and technology trends to better support our customers.
"While FermionX provides the overriding corporate structure, all company brands will continue to be presented under their existing brand names and to the same high standards of products and service."
Former managing director of Seward Daniel Crothers remained with the company as sales and marketing director.
Mr Crothers added: "Seward enjoys a global reputation for quality laboratory products. Under FermionX Ltd, the Seward brand will continue to enhance this reputation with emphasis on new product development that adds real value to our laboratory customers. We already have a project list for planned launches in 2017 which our distribution partners are very excited about."
Technical Director Stuart Ray, who headed the R&D team, said: "Both companies have collaborated over the years on product design and development with customers and other strategic partners, FermionX will allow this function to expand and drive the growth of our brands and of the business in general".
