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ORCHID CELLMARK TO OPEN A NEW FORENSIC FACILITY IN THE UK TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND FOR ITS SERVICES
April 21st, 2008
Orchid Cellmark to Open a New Forensic Facility in the United Kingdom to Meet Increasing Demand for Its Services.
(Nasdaq: ORCH), a leading worldwide provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced that it will open a new regional forensic facility in the North West of England later this year following a major award of work from nine new police forces. This work was awarded to Orchid Cellmark following the North West/South West and Wales regional forensic tender.
The laboratory will place Orchid Cellmark close to its customers in the North West of England and is expected to provide expansion capacity to accommodate the award as well as future growth. Orchid Cellmark has already started DNA testing work for some of its new police force customers and is currently preparing to take on the rest of the award.
Three-year contracts are expected to be executed shortly for the nine police forces under which Orchid Cellmark will provide forensic services, including DNA testing of database crime scene samples, forensic casework and PACE samples (DNA database samples taken under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act). The work was awarded following a lengthy competitive bidding process.
Thomas Bologna, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Orchid Cellmark was delighted with the outcome of the North West, South West and Wales regional tender. We believe the magnitude of the anticipated work justifies the requirement for a new facility in North West England. This award validates our approach to providing competitive DNA testing services of the highest quality." Mr. Bologna continued, "We believe that our success in the regional tender demonstrates that we can compete well in the U.K. on a direct basis with other U.K. forensics companies. We anticipate the remaining police forces in the U.K. will begin tendering their forensics work through the National Procurement Plan later this year or in the first quarter of 2009."
David Hartshorne, Commercial Director of Orchid Cellmark's U.K. operation said, "The new facility will not only allow us to serve customers under the North West/South West and Wales regional tender but also positions the company to address future opportunities. The facility is needed at this time because of the large volume of forensic casework awarded to Orchid Cellmark and forms an important part of our plan to successfully implement this work as we grow our business."
About Orchid Cellmark
Cellmark Forensic Services is a registered name of Orchid Cellmark Ltd, part of Orchid Cellmark Inc, a leading International provider of DNA testing services for human identity testing and agricultural applications. In the human identity area, the company provides DNA testing services for forensic investigation, paternity testing and family relationship analysis, and security applications. In the agriculture field, Orchid Cellmark provides DNA testing services for selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong market positions in these segments reflect the company's accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the world-renowned Cellmark brand that has been associated with exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark Ltd can be found at www.orchidcellmark.co.uk. More information on Orchid Cellmark Inc. can be found at www.orchid.com
