How a tiny Tennessee laboratory became a notable name in testing

In this article, Ardin Backous , the longest-serving employee of any Eurofins company with 60 years of service under his belt, tells the tale of how a tiny Tennessee laboratory that specialised in testing cotton seeds developed its expertise in analytical chemistry and microbiology testing, and ultimately caught the attention of the global Eurofins network.

Discover how joining the Eurofins network ignited a new era of growth and collaboration at the company now known as Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing . Cotton is woven into the history of Tennessee.

In 1933, scientist Edgar Tenent Sr and businessman Mr Woodson established a laboratory to test cotton seeds in Memphis, before expanding into other areas of agricultural testing.

Woodson-Tenent Laboratories went on to specialise in various aspects of analytical chemistry and microbiology testing for animal feed, operating six laboratories across the USA.

But it was its employees’ commitment to problem solving and customer satisfaction that made Woodson-Tenent Laboratories stand out among the herd. Through the decades, the company built a loyal and impressive customer portfolio.

In 2000, Woodson-Tenent Laboratories started looking for potential partners to supercharge the company’s growth, and the Eurofins network was the perfect fit! Both organisations shared a desire to deliver reliable test results to customers with fast turnaround times.

Joining the global Eurofins network of laboratories enabled the newly renamed Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing to invest in innovative, high-stakes projects and take on new challenges.

We asked Ardin Backous, who joined the Woodson-Tenent team in 1963, whether business priorities changed following the acquisition.

“Providing rapid testing turnaround times and ensuring client satisfaction are still our top priorities to this day,” Ardin said.

Ardin, who started working on a part-time basis at the company now known as Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing at the age of 19, currently works as a Senior Manager at the 60,000 ft2 (5,574 m2) Food Chemistry Testing facility in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

“When I joined in 1963, we had six full-time employees in Des Moines working in a 7,500 ft2 building.”

“Although customer expectations have changed throughout the years, delivering the best customer service will always remain at the top of our list of priorities,” Ardin explained.

Reflecting on his impressive tenure, Ardin concluded: “Having joined the Woodson-Tenent team in 1963, I had the opportunity to be a part of its success and metamorphosis.”

“Who could have guessed then that we’d become a major player in the food testing industry and join the global Eurofins network, one of the largest analytical testing providers in the world?”

Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing now employs more than 350 full-time employees. Ardin said, “the people I work with have become family.”

“I honestly look forward to getting up and coming to my second home at work every day!”

The Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing site in Iowa now houses a Food and Feed Testing laboratory dedicated to Ardin as a tribute to his work to facilitate the company’s integration into the Eurofins family and his continued dedication to serving customers.

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