Since it began in 1994, TTP Labtech has shown a commitment to innovation, highlighted by its range of products and operational flexibility. Innovation is also apparent in the firm’s staffing. “Out of 100 people, about 75 are in development,” said TTP Labtech Commercial Director Jas Sanghera.

The employee-owned, UK-based firm began as a consulting business within the Technology Partnership (TTP) Group, which is a holding company that develops products and technologies in multiple sectors. In 1994, Chemunex approached TTP to assist in the development of the ChemScan laser scanning cytometer. The project piqued TTP’s interest, and a separate business, TTP Labtech, was created to offer pharmaceutical and biotechnology consulting services.

In 2001, TTP Labtech began selling its first product, the comPOUND automated sample storage system, which utilizes a pneumatic retrieval system and modular capabilities. The acumen scanning imaging cytometer, which utilizes three-laser color detection for high-content screening, was introduced in 2003. This product was followed in 2004 by the mosquito liquid handler, which uses positive displacement technology for pipetting of volumes from 25 nL to 1,200 nL. “[The product business] was really moving forward; people loved the fact that our products were novel,” said Dr. Sanghera. In 2009, TTP Labtech decided to solely focus on product development and sales. “It’s quite interesting: the difference between developing products just to a prototype stage and developing products to a point where you can sell them—and then you have to support them,” he said. Prior to 2009, half of the firm provided consulting services and half developed products.

After the mosquito’s launch, however, TTP Labtech did not develop a new product until the mirrorball cytometer for cell-based assays in 2011. During this time, the company worked on its marketing strategy and was subsidized by the TTP Group. The firm also recently rebranded itself, adopting a new logo with its name prominently displayed. “People love our products,” Dr. Sanghera said. “It’s a pity that they don’t know who we are. So we’re trying to bring the company front and center.”

A focus on R&D contributes to TTP’s diverse offerings. “We all specialize in different areas, which is why TTP has such a broad range of products,” stated Dr. Sanghera. The most successful product is the mosquito. “In terms of revenue, the mosquito and acumen were pretty much even until about three years ago,” he said. “Then the mosquito really just forged ahead for two reasons: One, [we’re] selling mosquitos now to a wide range of applications. All the time, people are coming up with new ideas [for its use]. And the consumable part of that business grows and grows.” There are now over 500 mosquito units installed.

TTP Labtech continues to introduce new product lines, like the aequus sensor (see IBO 2/15/12). Also, a new product will be launched this year for food testing—a first for the firm. Although Dr. Sanghera does not expect TTP Labtech to greatly expand its offerings, there are opportunities for engineers to submit new ideas for a company vote. “We give ourselves the luxury of following up on new ideas and technologies because we feel they are interesting,” he said.