Bio-Rad Laboratories - History

History

Bio-Rad Laboratories was founded in 1952 by husband and wife team David and Alice Schwartz. The couple first met in a class at the University of California–Berkeley, from which they both graduated.

The idea that launched the company came about unexpectedly during a game of bridge. During the card game, the players, including Dave and Alice, joked about products that were not but maybe should have been on the market. Someone suggested creating tobacco mosaic virus, a virus Alice was using for scientific research and one that required many days to prepare. Dave questioned why no one was manufacturing it. The following day, he and Alice searched their neighborhood in Berkeley for a place to launch a company with a mission to accelerate the scientific discovery process by providing products and tools to researchers.

In the years that followed, the couple continued to expand their product line. They worked closely with their customers to gain a better understanding of what researchers were trying to accomplish and how.

In 1967, Bio-Rad entered the field of clinical diagnostics with the development of its first test kit based on separation techniques and materials developed for life science research. Bio-Rad expanded into the field of analytical and measuring instrument systems through internal research and development efforts and acquisitions in the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1999, Bio-Rad acquired the stock of Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics. This strengthened the company’s position in the HIV and infectious disease diagnostic product market. In 2000 and 2004, Bio-Rad divested its semiconductor, optoelectronic metrology, and confocal microscopy product lines. In late 2007, Bio-Rad acquired Switzerland-based DiaMed Holding AG, enhancing Bio-Rad’s position in the immunohematology market.

As Bio-Rad broadened its product line, it also expanded its geographical market. Bio Rad has distribution channels in more than 30 countries outside the United States through subsidiaries whose primary focus is customer service and product distribution.