Quorum Technologies Ltd.

Quorum Technologies recently opened Cryo-SEM facility.
The laboratory is equipped with a Philips XL40 SEM and a fully loaded PP2000T
Cryo preparation and sample transfer system as well as an EDAX EDS system.

The Polaron range of Electron Microscopy sample preparation instruments was the originator of this now multi-million dollar industry. Quorum Technologies are proud to continue this fine tradition with their ownership of the product range. Our staff has more than 80 years cumulative experience with the products!
Despite our proud history, which included innovation in Critical Point Drying and Sputter Coating, we are not resting on our laurels. We continue to develop new, economically priced and relevant products by listening to users and to our network of distributors who are in touch with Microscopists around the world on a daily basis.
The Polaron Range includes Sputter Coaters, Critical Point Dryers, Bench Top Evaporators and Plasma Reactors. We also produce the economically priced PP2000 Cryo-Preparation System, which sets new standards in this demanding technique.
Our range of instruments and accessories is supported by our global distribution and service network, providing unparalleled technical and applications support worldwide.
As owner-managers we live by the quality of our products, we have such faith in our new product range that we offer free extended-warranty terms upon completion of a simple registration process.

The History of the POLARON Range

1960s

Polaron Equipment Ltd founded in Hertfordshire, England. The original company began supplying Electron Microscopy (EM) consumables and manufacturing EM sample preparation instruments.

1970s

Polaron pioneered techniques that were soon to become standard preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Firstly the Polaron E3000 critical point dryer was introduced. The success of this instrument is well illustrated by sales estimated to be in excess of 5,000
At around the same time the first commercially successful SEM sputter coater - the E5000 - was introduced.
Polaron Equipment Ltd became the UK distributor for the first bench top Scanning Electron Microscopes manufactured by ISI.
An important refinement to SEM sputtering occurred in the late 1970s with the introduction of the E5100 "Cool" sputtering system. The E5100 was able to sputter finer grain coatings with much reduced thermal damage to samples.

1985

Polaron Equipment Ltd was acquired by the Microscience Division of Bio-Rad. Rapid expansion of the Polaron range led to larger manufacturing premises at Hemel Hempstead, north of London.

1986

Introduction of the E7400 Cryotransfer system.

1987

Launch of the H2500 the first commercial laboratory microwave processor designed specifically for histopathology and electron microscopy.

1988

Bio-Rad Microscience Division acquires Emscope Laboratories; a leading manufacturer of EM preparation equipment. Products such as the SC500 and SC650 sputter coaters, TB500 carbon coater, SP2000 Cryotransfer system are integrated into the existing product range.

1991

The Polaron range of products is sold to VG Microtech, then a division of Fisons Instruments. Manufacturing is moved to Uckfield in Sussex.
The Polaron brand name is re-introduced.
The consumables (catalogue) business moves to Fisons Scientific Equipment (now Fisher Scientific) at Loughborough, UK, and is operated as a separate business. The accessories product line is later dropped from the Fisher range.

1995

All Polaron products meet EMC standards for Europe. The New SC7600 series of sputter coaters is launched

1996

Fisons Instruments (including VG Microtech) acquired by Thermo Instruments. VG Microtech gains ISO 9001

1998

VG Microtech amalgamates with its sister company VG Scientific and moves to premises in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

2001

Company name changes to Thermo VG Scientific.
Acquisition of the Polaron range of products by Quorum Technologies Ltd.
Quorum Technologies Ltd. (QT) is the company formed by the managers of the business in August of 2001 to facilitate the acquisition of the Polaron Range from its then owners, Thermo VG Scientific. The key staff members who were involved in this management buy-out are:

David Cheshire, who has been with the product line since it’s foundation in the ‘60’s and continues to lead product development and new product introduction.

Tim Holloway, who has been associated with manufacturing the Polaron Range for 10 years, leads manufacturing.

Bob Kenhard, former General Manager of VG Microtech and now M.D manages the team and looks after finance and general administration.

Mike Wombwell, former business manager of the Polaron Range and now Sales Director is focused on sales growth, brand development and strengthening our distribution.

has been synonymous with quality in the EM preparation field for over 30 years. Successive ownership by large companies, whilst securing its existence have never given the product range the investment or attention it needed. This acquisition has enabled the people, who have been the core of the business for many years, to focus exclusively on the customers and products and to own and manage the business into the future. Within the first twelve months we have invested heavily in IT and infrastructure and in October 2002 installed a Philips XL40 SEM in our Cryo Lab – an investment we consider essential for future new product development.

We have always had an enviable reputation for friendly and prompt customer support. Key to our success we believe will be building on this reputation with the existing customer base by continuing to offer support and help with the older, now obsolete, ranges such as those sold under Emscope, Bio-Rad and Fisons/VG brands. New customers will also benefit from our website, telephone and email support as well as the unparalleled free extended warranty terms.

N.B The original Polaron company is still based in Watford in the UK, since divesting the Polaron EM Ranges in 1985. It is no longer trading in the EM field, to view their website visit http://www.polaron.co.uk/

2005

On the 1st April 2005 Quorum Technologies Ltd acquired the ongoing business and assets of Emitech Ltd in a friendly acquisition that was supported by the directors of both companies. Emitech continue to trade under EM Technologies Ltd ownership, a company wholly owned by Quorum. Emitech's website and contact details can be found at: http://www.emitech.co.uk/index.html