Synoptics Timeline

Founded

Synoptics was established in 1985 by imaging experts from the University of Cambridge. The business grew quickly, with many major companies using Synoptics to develop imaging solutions across a wide range of applications. With a growing knowledge of CCD camera technology, frame grabbing and image capture techniques, we enhanced our skill sets within digital imaging.

Acquired Ai Cambridge

Following a period of steady growth, Synoptics acquired the image analysis business Ai Cambridge, UK, to broaden our range of end-user products and develop our worldwide export markets.

Acquired Myriad

We acquired Myriad Solutions, a manufacturer of graphics and accelerator products.

Syngene Formed

To exploit our experience in imaging DNA and protein gels, our Syngene division was formed in 1997.

Synbiosis Formed

The Synbiosis division was formed, utilising our expertise in microbiology.

Acquired by SDI Group

Since December 2007, Synoptics Ltd has been owned by SDI Group plc, an acquisitive group comprising various manufacturing businesses in the scientific and technology sector, mainly focused on digital imaging and sensing and control applications.

Acquired Gallenkamp

Gallenkamp was acquired by SDI Group in September 2018 and came under the Synoptics family.

Acquired Fistreem

We acquired Fistreem, which has become an integral part of Synoptics with innovative products for water distillation, water purification and the accompanying accessories.

About the Synoptics Family

Synoptics divisions include:

  • Syngene: documentation and fluorescence/chemiluminescence imaging
  • Synbiosis: imaging solutions for microbial applications
  • Fistreem: water distillation technologies
  • Gallenkamp: vacuum oven technologies

This diverse expertise makes the Synoptics Group a complete resource of life science imaging specialists. We are headquartered in Cambridge, a thriving scientific hub in the UK and have a centrally located US subsidiary in Frederick, USA. Globally, our products are supported by an international network of highly-trained distributors, all of whom employ imaging specialists.

Vision Statement

Synoptics are accelerating life science research by developing and manufacturing scientific solutions: 

  • for image capture and analysis of molecular and microbiological systems
  • producing water purification
  • vacuum oven products

Synoptics’s vision is to be a profitable, world-leading organisation and give shareholders positive returns. This will be attained through investment in gaining and maintaining an excellent reputation for manufacturing and supplying world-leading scientific imaging systems and solutions to customers primarily involved in molecular and microbiological sciences.

We are fully committed to manufacturing and supplying our valued customer base with the highest quality products in-house. We will continue to source innovative new technologies to ensure that our customers have the latest tools to facilitate their research. Our commitment to customers is focused on achieving a global reputation for excellence through our chosen specialist distribution channels worldwide.

Strategy

The business is focused on delivering three strategic priorities, which aim to increase growth, reduce risk and improve our long-term financial performance. 

These priorities are: 

  • To continue to grow a global business
  • Develop our imaging products of value in molecular and microbiological sciences 
  • Simplify the operating model by concentrating worldwide on our strong Syngene, Synbiosis, Fistreem and Gallenkamp brands

As a business, we envisage continuing our promise to maintain happy, loyal customers and staff by ensuring our company is renowned for excellence in customer service. We aim to exceed our customers’ expectations worldwide from the moment they contact us through the supply of first-class products and our after-sales service. We believe that it will be the excellence of our after-sales service, provided by our experienced support team, to assist with technical and application issues that will enhance the integrity of our brand worldwide.

Other Information

Synoptics Ltd company number: 1874861

Synoptics Ltd registered office address: Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TF

Synoptics Ltd VAT number: GB665 523522

Synoptics Ltd Product Registration Number: WEE/AJ0049TZ

Synoptics Ltd fully complies with the Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. We are a Member of the B2B Compliance scheme, which handles our WEEE obligations on our behalf. For further information, please get in touch with B2B Compliance at +44 (0) 1691 676 124.

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years of imaging expertise

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