The McCrone Group begins 2007 in its Expanded State-of-the-Art New Facilities
THE McCRONE GROUP BEGINS 2007 IN ITS EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE ART NEW FACILITIES
WESTMONT, IL (January 3, 2007) – The McCrone Group, Inc., internationally recognized as a world leader in microanalysis and the nation’s Premier Microscopy Resource, announces today the opening of its new state-of-the-art analytical facility in Westmont, Illinois. The McCrone Group custom designed and completed the construction of a 40,000 square-foot addition to their existing 26,000 square-foot building, which has served as the Group’s headquarters since 1987.
The newly completed 66,700 square-foot facility is home to The McCrone Group; McCrone Associates, Inc. (analytical services), McCrone Microscopes & Accessories (instrument sales) and the College of Microscopy (microscopy education and learning). With this new addition the College of Microscopy has the largest array of advanced modern microscopy instrumentation within any single educational facility in the United States.
The McCrone building expansion was undertaken in June 2005 to address the rapidly growing demands for microanalysis in the United States. With an expanded facility, McCrone will be able to meet the increasing demand for analytical services, microscopy learning, and instrumentation from their industrial, government, and pharmaceutical clients. Government agencies are increasingly seeking McCrone’s problem-solving capabilities in areas of homeland security and forensics in regard to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and nanotechnology in materials development.
McCrone’s scientists are actively engaged on a day-to-day basis in solving some of the most difficult materials analysis problems, including manufacturing failures, raw materials, trace evidence, electronic components, and pharmaceutical/biotechnology developments.
“We are extremely pleased with the completion of this dramatic new facility. Our clients and our scientists are excited about the new capabilities this expansion will offer us,” said Donald A. Brooks, President & CEO, The McCrone Group, Inc. “Last year we proudly celebrated our company’s 50th anniversary, and the facility expansion is a testament to our dedication to the future of modern microscopy and microanalysis,” he said.
A dramatic 140-seat auditorium, built as part of the expansion in the new Learning Center, will be used for teaching and client conferences. The auditorium is also available for rent to companies and groups seeking a comfortable and convenient meeting location within an easy commute from the Chicago Loop as well as O’Hare International and Midway Airports.
The modern facility offers state-of-the-art audio/visual and teleconferencing capabilities. The auditorium’s amenities are designed to support speakers and enhance learning opportunities for their audiences. The well-equipped, spacious auditorium is ideal for lectures, conferences and other special training or meeting events.
In 1987, The McCrone Group moved from Chicago to the current Westmont facility. The privately-owned company is located on 6.5 acres at 850 Pasquinelli Drive. McCrone expects it will increase its scientific, technical, and administrative staff by 25 percent or more in the next two years.
About The McCrone Group
Founded in 1956 and located in Westmont, IL, The McCrone Group, Inc., is a world leader in materials analysis and is internationally recognized as the premier microscopy resource. The company is comprised of three business units: McCrone Associates, the analytical service division; McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, the instrument sales division; and the College of Microscopy, the education division that provides training to industry and government scientists worldwide. For more information about The McCrone Group, please visit www.mccrone.com.
McCrone Associates, the analytical service division, is focused on solving some of the most difficult materials analysis problems along with the day-to-day needs of forensic, pharmaceutical, materials, and environmental laboratories, scientific researchers, and government organizations worldwide.
McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, the instrument sales division, offers a complete line of microscopes and microscopy related instruments, reference standards, and resource books.
The College of Microscopy, the Group’s new Learning Center, provides training to both industry and government scientists worldwide. The staff of The McCrone Group has been teaching scientists and researchers for more than 40 years. Today The College of Microscopy offers more than 35 courses a year to the technical and educational community around the world.
The Atlas of Microscopic Particles (www.mccroneatlas.com), the Group’s new online particle resource, is the first of its kind internet-based particle reference for scientists, microscopists, and criminalists engaged in the materials identification area.