CIS Invests in new state-of-the-art Laboratory

Over £4.7 million has been invested in creating a new state-of-the-art laboratory for the Cattle Information Service (CIS), located at the new headquarters of Holstein UK Group in Telford. CIS is the number one farmer-owner provider of milk recording and health testing services for dairy farmers in Great Britain.

The new site covers 1,557 sqm, over double the area that the business previously occupied at Speir House.  Aside from the new laboratory, there is a modern workspace for all employees and a purpose-built conferencing suite.

Investment has seen all testing machines upgraded to new-generation technology with dedicated areas for testing milk samples, blood tests and tissue samples.  The additional space provides the capacity for future growth with the opportunity to expand the testing portfolio.

Dena Snidall, Head of Laboratory Operations for CIS, says, “Our new laboratory now features the most up to date FOSS testing technology to be operating in the UK.  We have installed four FOSS 7 machines with the capacity to process 20,000 samples per day.  There has also been investment in our Animal Health department, with additional equipment to enable us to increase our testing capabilities”.

This testing facility, under its robust Quality Management System, is UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ICAR approved. Operating 7 days a week ensures continuous improvement and high-quality service to its customers.

The development at Telford includes the introduction of environmental measures, which are estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 6539 tonnes per year.  There are also two EV charging points, with more planned as demand increases.  Employment opportunities have been provided to the local community as the business grows and income will be generated for the group and local businesses from hosting external meetings and conferences.

The headquarters are named Scope House in honour of former Group CEO Sue Cope recognising her contribution to the Society and celebrating her legacy. Before her short battle with illness, Sue dedicated a huge amount of time and effort to securing and refurbishing the new headquarters to futureproof the Society.

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