Our history
At a glance
70 years of reagent excellence
From Welsh lab benches to ISO-certified facilities across three continents, we’ve spent almost seven decades refining reagents that speed life-saving diagnostics to market. The spark that began with John Chandler’s gold nanoparticles now powers a 500-strong global team—advancing health, together.
- 1954 – The Epping site is founded, starting our 70 year reagent legacy
- 1986 – BBI is founded when John Chandler at Cardiff University develops and manufactures our now world renowned gold nanoparticles for the first time.
- 2006-Now – Strategic growth through acquisitions to provide you with the best range of reagents and services
- Today – Global scale. Sites across 5 countries, 4 continents, 500 colleagues, and ISO 13485 + 27001 certifications to keep your supply chain secure and compliant.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions
Across 70 years, we’ve paired organic innovation with targeted acquisitions—expanding our reagent portfolio, global footprint, and talent bench so you can accelerate every stage of assay development. Each milestone below added a new capability or scale advantage that now flows straight into your supply chain.
Epping site is founded starting 70 years of reagent excellence.
BBI is founded when Cardiff-based scientists create our now world-renowned gold nanoparticles.
BBI acquires Maine Biotechnology Services (MBS) and Diarect AG, extending our leadership in antibody development and autoimmune diagnostics.
Novo Holdings acquires BBI, accelerating innovation with long-term, purpose-driven backing.
BBI acquires, Biotez GmbH, Steffens Biotechnische Analysen GmbH, and Ibex Technolgoies Inc. expanding recombinant capabilities, assay development services, and glycobiology expertise.
BBI unveils new brand, unifying global sites and expertise under a single purpose-led identity.
Looking ahead
Pioneering the future of diagnostics
Tomorrow’s breakthroughs start with today’s investments. Backed by Novo Holdings, we’re investing millions into new recombinant technology, engineering greener facilities, and expanding global capacity – so your assays reach patients faster, more easily and more sustainably. Every initiative is mapped to clear quality and climate targets, keeping science and sustainability in lock-step.
- Next-gen reagents – expanding recombinant enzymes, antibodies, and antigens to de-risk supply and lift performance
- Global capacity – ISO 13485-certified facilities, sites across four continents, and an expanded UK headquarters give you up to 18 million assays of surge manufacturing each year, without compromising precision.
- Carbon Reduction Roadmap – We are advancing our decarbonisation strategy by identifying and implementing opportunities to reduce emissions across our operations. Our approach includes energy efficiency, water and waste reduction initiatives and the transition to renewable energy sources.
OUR VISION
We are passionate problem solvers
Our vision is a world where you can bring life-saving advances to market faster, more easily, and more sustainably, supported by the best products and people. Join us in advancing health, together.
About us
GET IN TOUCH
Still need help? Talk to our team
Our customer service team is on hand to help with any questions you have or support you need.
And if the issue turns technical, they’ll bring in our expert scientists to troubleshoot side-by-side with you and keep your project moving.
Contact us