Anton Paar opened a brand-new laboratory space in its Americas Technical Center in Ashland, Virginia, dedicated exclusively to showcasing and utilizing Brabender instrumentation. Anton Paar acquired Brabender in 2023.
The 1,800-square-foot lab will serve as the Brabender application development and training hub for all Anton Paar Americas’ customers and the region’s seven subsidiaries. Customers throughout the Americas region are extended an open invitation to the lab to learn more about how Brabender measuring devices can be used to develop their samples and materials.
The opening of this new laboratory represents a significant milestone following Anton Paar’s acquisition of Brabender. While the time since the acquisition has been devoted to customer service and cross-team training, Anton Paar Americas executive director Reinhard Eberl notes the new laboratory as an exciting next step.
“The Brabender portfolio is full of world-class instruments and now we have a world-class laboratory where they can be utilized,” said Eberl. “Anton Paar continues to grow and open up new sales and service subsidiaries across North and South America. Continuing to invest in premier infrastructure such as this new laboratory is essential in making sure that the Anton Paar customer experience keeps pace with our expansion.”
Christoph Pielen, former president of C.W. Brabender Instruments, Inc. and now lead scientist for Texture and Extrusion at Anton Paar USA, echoed Eberl’s excitement. “In the relatively short time since the acquisition, Brabender and its customers are already enjoying the benefits of being part of Anton Paar. This laboratory is yet another example – it’s the perfect venue for our customers to get a chance to see our instruments and work with them as they consider purchasing options,” he said.
“The fact that our own employees can also use this space for application development and training is also very exciting. Customers have access to a top-quality lab to see Brabender instruments, and employees have a top-level space for training and sample testing so that they can provide even better support to customers. The possibilities here feel endless,” said Pielen.
The lab will be home to some of Brabender’s most popular instruments, including a MetaStation torque rheometer, Farinograph flour and dough analyzer, and TwinLab-C extruder. Anton Paar has also implemented state-of-the-art ventilation and solar power systems to ensure complete safety and a reduced environmental footprint.
