January  23/Princeton, N.J./Press Release -- Covance Inc. announced the expansion of its nutritional chemistry and food safety services which will open a new 10,000 square foot laboratory this summer within its existing facility in Harrogate, England.  This new lab will complement existing laboratories in Madison, Wis., Battle Creek, Mich., Greenfield, Ind., and Singapore and will help Covance continue to promote food safety and nutritional health on a global scale.
 
“Our new European site for nutritional chemistry and food safety services will enable us to provide the consistency of service and quality testing that our clients have come to expect from Covance, from a location that is closer and more convenient to their European operations,” said Brad Riemenapp, vice president and general manager, NCFS.  “In Harrogate, we will conduct cutting-edge research in food contaminants testing and the full spectrum of nutritional chemistry.”
 
Harrogate is an excellent choice for this expansion for many reasons, including a strong pool of talent, appropriate lab space availability, potential to leverage existing Covance capabilities, and proximity to the airport. 
 
In the first year of operation, 25 new positions are expected to be added in Harrogate, and over 100 positions are expected within the first five years of operation. 
 
Thanks to a £575,000 (approximately $975,000) grant from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Business Growth Programme, made possible through the Government's Regional Growth Fund, Covance will also be undertaking exciting new research in the area of contaminants testing at the Harrogate site. 

Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership commented: “Covance is not only a global leader in its field but also a major employer in the Leeds City Region and this investment aims to boost the number of jobs and skills the company can offer local people.
 
“The expertise and intelligence behind this new research into nutritional health and food testing puts the Leeds City Region on the map and enhances our reputation as a great place to do business.”
 
In welcoming the project, David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said “Having launched the UK’s Strategy for Agricultural Technologies this summer, I am pleased that this project aligns with our efforts to accelerate translation of research.  The joint funding into Covance’s new research center demonstrates the importance and commitment that Covance and the UK government have in nutritional health and innovative research.”
 
For more than 80 years, Covance has been a leader in testing for the food, dietary supplement, infant formula, ag biotech, restaurant, and pet food industries.  Covance’s work in nutritional chemistry and food safety helps promote a safe and healthy global food supply.

“Covance’s nutritional chemistry and food safety services are known for consistency in testing procedures and processes, as well as attention to detail and customer service,” said Riemenapp, “We are excited to bring this tradition of excellence to Europe.”