In 2002, Impact Analytical (Midland, MI) began making an effort to gain GPL and CGMP certification to build its customers in the medical devices arena, said Eric Hill, marketing development manager for Impact Analytical. The company presented its plans for the coming year at a press briefing at MD&M West trade show in Anaheim, CA. "Today about 5% of our customers are in the medical device business and we are hoping to build more," he said. The company is ISO 9001:2001 certified. It gained GLP compliance in 2003 and became GMP registered in 2004.
To continue to build a client based, the firm took its profits from 2004 and invested back into the company to buy more analysis equipment. Among several new pieces of equipment, the company purchased a 400MHz NMR system, two separation systems, and gas chromatography machine.
Still, Hill emphasized that added equipment is not a substitute for good service and quality. Although the company has some of the top chemical companies as clients, Impact also serves small entrepreneur companies, too. In addition, it has increased its international clients. "We are trying to really be problem solvers for our clients," said Hill. "That can mean a routine analysis or even providing consultation services if a company wants to do its analysis in house."
Hill explained that the company has nearly 5000 clients, but that they have cultivated partnerships with about 100-150 companies. "We are really interested in forming partnerships."
Impact is also building more client base through its extensive online capabilities. It provides online sample submissions, requests for quotes, brochures, and real-time project status. The company also has a MyImpact site that gives its clients secure access to reports. "The MyImpact site allows customers to view current and past reports online."
Impact offers molecular characterization, separation sciences, microscopy, thermal and mechanical testing, and barrier properties testing.
