Medtech firm wins new orders after investment

A COVENTRY company which uses unique technology to measure microbe content in fluids has won major overseas orders after receiving significant investment funding.
 
CellFacts Instruments, based at the University of Warwick Science Park, manufactures and supplies precision analysis systems which provide real time detection, enumeration and physiological characterisation of microbial cells.

The firm, established in 2001, has sold its machines to Pfizer Nutrition through Innovative Biotech of Singapore.

CellFacts recently received a £75,000 investment from Midven’s Early Advantage Fund, allowing it to diversify into new markets.

In addition, further investment has come from a small number of high net worth individuals, resulting in a total equity injection of at least £230,000.

Crawford Dow, chief executive of CellFacts Instruments, said: “There is the further likelihood that Pfizer will introduce this technology to other sites around the world. We see this as an exciting and significant milestone in the continued growth of the company.”

Dr Dow said the technology could be used across a range of sectors, and the investment funding received was helping the firm move into new markets.

“Certain food and beverages undergo regular microbial testing and analysis. This becomes even more prevalent in foods and drinks such as yoghurt, milk, fruit juices and beer in which there are a number of naturally occurring micro organisms,” he said.

“There needs to be stringent quality checks in terms of the type of organism, number and status to ensure the safety of the consumer and accurately predict shelf life.  Almost any liquid but especially those that contain water can harbour microbial growth.”

Andrew Waterfall, chairman of CellFacts, said Midven’s backing, and that of the other investors, was vital and would allow it to roll out to sectors where the technology could deliver significant commercial benefits not previously available.
 
Midven’s Early Advantage Fund provides investment for start-up and early stage SMEs across the West Midlands. It can make an initial investment of up to £125,000 if matched by private money, and can invest a further £275,000 in later rounds.

Duncan Kerr, investment director at Midven said: “This is an exciting time for the company, and we’re delighted to be helping them move to the next stage in partnership with others.  This is an innovative company with high growth prospects and has some loyal customers and an impressive pipeline of prospective orders.”