AB Sciex, a global leader in life science analytical technologies, recently setup an analytical facility at Gurgaon, India, at an estimated cost of $3.2 million (Rs16 crore). The unit has been established with the aim to give scientists and laboratory technicians across India access to the latest innovations in analytical technologies.

The Indian unit of the firm also saw expantion during November 2011 with AB Sciex acquiring the mass spectrometry business of Labindia. BioSpectrum spoke to Mr Rainer Blair, president of AB Sciex, US, about the company's present operations, marketing strategies and future plans.

What is the objective of setting up this new facility in India?
Our state-of-the-art, scientific support center is designed to help address some of India's biggest analytical challenges, including food safety, environmental protection, vitamin D analysis, biomedical research, testing of banned drugs of abuse, and the development of new therapeutics and generic drugs. Moreover, scientists and lab personnel in the public and private sectors are expected to use it as a destination for proof-of-concept studies, development of new work flows, extensive training and troubleshooting support in method development. The facility in India will allow us to take the lead with our customers to reshape analytical science in this amazingly forward-thinking region of the world.

What according to you are the major challenges of doing business in India? What is your strategy?
India is a large country and the challenges here are of many fold. First, coverage of all the areas is a challenge along with building capabilities for new technologies. As the new regulatory regimes are being quickly put in place, high standard needs to be maintained. In order to enable this, there has to be an increased need for awareness among the researchers about the latest technology up gradation.

Another challenge is the investment in research by the government and the venture capitalists as it is directly related to their purchase capacity. The worst fear for a company is the recall of its product from the market. Thus new methods have to be developed in order to cater to the requirements of the clients. Our marketing strategy is based on the same and we also believe in creating innovative technologies for the clients. We work relentlessly every day to be a trusted partner with Indian scientists and lab managers.

How has the acquisition of Labindia helped in the growth of the company?
Labindia's acquisition has helped the company to create new opportunities for scientific interactions, collaborations and innovation. With its growing local presence and dedicated global resources, AB Sciex is opening new job opportunities in the Indian economy, thereby attracting top talent in science and technology to its portals.