Life Technologies

Since 1972, the US-headquartered multi-national has been operating in New Zealand, where it collects and manufactures blood sera and proteins destined for the global research and bioproduction markets.

Typical applications for its New Zealand-sourced products include cell culture, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, and form part of Life Technologies' comprehensive suite of products and services that are supplied to more than 75,000 customers world wide.

Superior animal health

Life Technologies' Senior Director of New Zealand Bioproducts, Peter Airey, says New Zealand is well placed to satisfy the exceptional product and quality standards the industry requires. It is the only country in the world free of all List A World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) diseases, it has never had a case of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or chronic wasting disease (CWD), and has been free of scrapie since 1954.

The country's isolated island geography is an advantage, while New Zealand's stringent biosecurity measures and animal health expertise - built up over the country's long history as a primary producer - ensure this reputation is kept intact.

"The New Zealand MAF and veterinarian expertise is perceived to be of the highest standards, to be very reputable and reliable, so that definitely stands us in good stead," says Airey.

At a company level, Life Technologies ensures product integrity and safety through a number of stringent controls, including the ability to finish all sera and protein products 'at source', thereby removing cross-contamination risks. This practice has been positively received by customers and has subsequently set the standard for the industry.

"Customers place a lot of value around this so it just makes sense. And, because we've made this investment it's become table stakes for the industry as well," says Airey.

Global biotech giant

Life Technologies' customers are spread across the company's network of 160 countries, with the primary markets being Europe, North America and Japan. In 2009, the company generated global sales of US$3.3 billion, with organic sales growth of seven percent, despite the challenging economic climate.

"Life Technologies is strongly positioned in emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and in new technologies such as stem and cell therapy," says Airey.

As a vital component of the global network, Life Technologies' operation in New Zealand has received ongoing investment, most recently with the expansion of its Christchurch facility in 2008 - one of the company's three production bases around the country.

"Our existing markets and customers continue to perceive strong value in animal derived products from New Zealand, especially for applications where patient or animal safety is a key driver for their products," says Airey.

Airey says the skills base and unique technology capabilities within its New Zealand operation will continue to make it a valued contributor to Life Technologies' leadership in the global biotechnology tools market.