Mérieux NutriSciences establishes presence in Israel

The firm said it will continue developing the two sites and will keep close relationships with Milouot and MIGAL Galilee Research Institute.

Mérieux NutriSciences said future cooperation with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute to further its scientific research is possible.

Milouda laboratory was initially dedicated to test Milouot’s products but joined with Migal’s food testing laboratories in 2011 and developed expertise in analytical testing.

Milouot is a holding company offering vegetable and fruit production, animal feed and poultry processing activities.

Mérieux NutriSciences has made acquisitions in China, Brazil, Turkey, India and South Africa in just over a year.

Growth of ​Milouda & Migal ​

Migal laboratories grew as a division of the MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, an interdisciplinary applied research institute who promote industrial, economic and academic development of the Galilee.

Avishai Levy, CEO of MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, said Mérieux NutriSciences being at the facility in Kyriat Shmona is an important phase towards establishment of the Agro-Biomedical Center specialized in science-based advanced nutrition.

“Their culture of promoting applied research and their experience in food safety regulation is synergistic to the activities and plans of the Galilee Research Institute and hopefully soon we will broaden our collaboration towards these goals.”​

Milouda & Migal Laboratories offers microbiology and chemistry testing services, mostly dedicated to food and environment testing with facilities in Haïfa and Kyriat Shmona.

The laboratories are ISO 17025 certified and accredited by the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Environment.

Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, said: “The acquisition provides us entry into this flourishing testing market and gives at the same time Milouda & Migal Laboratories access to the complete range of capabilities of Mérieux NutriSciences network worldwide.”​

Onn Barzilay, CEO of Milouot Group, said the executive team at Milouda & Migal Laboratories supported by the Milouot Group had built the company over the last decade.

“We are proud to be the owner through that period of extraordinary growth. Backed by the Mérieux NutriSciences resources, we believe Milouda & Migal Laboratories will continue to flourish in the years ahead.” ​

Lab renamed in honor of Dr John H. Silliker​

Meanwhile, Mérieux NutriSciences has renamed its North American laboratory in Crete, Illinois, the Dr John H. Silliker Solution Center in honor of the late founder of Silliker Laboratories.

The special rededication was held on the opening day of 2015 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo.

Mérieux NutriSciences acquired Silliker Laboratories in 1997. Dr Silliker, 92, died in March following a lifetime of distinguished service to food science. 

Jim Miller, North America president of Mérieux NutriSciences, welcomed over 80 invited guests to a champagne brunch at the 71,000 square foot laboratory.

In 1967, Dr Silliker opened his first laboratory in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and guided its growth into the largest independent food testing and consulting network in North America.