Corporate history

Our history
Founded in the late 1960s, Malvern Instruments is now one of the world’s leading materials characterization companies, highly respected for its innovation and leadership in particle characterization. In recent years the portfolio has been extended with the addition of complementary technologies for rheology measurement and chemical imaging.

Advancing particle science
In 1970 the introduction of the Malvern correlator delivered a key component in the world's first laser-based particle size analyzer. Since then, numerous innovations in particle size, zeta potential and dispersion technology have helped advance particle science. In 1997, as manufacturing industry increased its focus on process optimization, systems for in-process particle size measurement were introduced. These now include on-line, in-line and at-line analyzers.

Novel techniques
Malvern's range has expanded continuously to include novel techniques for determining particle size and shape in virtually all types of industrial materials. Innovative products for spray characterization have been added, whose applications range from pharmaceutical nebulizers, nasal sprays and inhalers to fuel injection systems, fire protection equipment and agricultural sprays. And supporting an area of intense research and development, Malvern’s Zetasizer Nano is the system of choice for characterizing nano-size particles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials.

Complementary technologies
The acquisition of Bohlin Instruments in 2003 brought rheology measurement into Malvern’s product range. Exploitation of the links between particle size, zeta potential and rheology characteristics now plays an increasing role in product development. Malvern provides instrumentation and expertise in all these areas.

In 2006, Spectral Dimensions Inc. became part of Malvern Instruments, adding near infra red (NIR) chemical imaging to the company’s portfolio. This exciting new technology has many applications, especially in understanding and improving pharmaceutical formulation and production.

Public recognition
Also in 2006, Malvern received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. The fourth such award in the company’s history, it recognised the company’s increased export sales and continued growth worldwide.

Investment in support
Essential to the continued success of the company is the ability to deliver the best support and service, and Malvern has invested in providing its customer base with new ways of obtaining education, training and support.

In 2001, it was the first particle characterization company to offer seminars and training via live, web-based courses for global audiences. The following year "on demand" e-learning was added, enabling customers worldwide to access Malvern’s resources - at any time and from any place.

Today, the website’s applications library is a valuable and freely available source of information on materials characterization. Accessing experience and expertise in this way, ideally complements the support delivered in person by Malvern’s local teams.