As Organomation just celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2024, we wanted to detail the company’s humble beginnings. In the late 1950s, a small but significant innovation in laboratory equipment was born in central Massachusetts. Dr. Neal McNiven, a Canadian-born organic chemist of Scottish descent, identified a need for a compact evaporator to process samples more efficiently while working at the prestigious Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology (WFEB).
Established in 1944 by Dr. Gregory Pincus and Dr. Hudson Hoagland, the WFEB quickly gained recognition for its groundbreaking work in applied research, particularly in the area of steroids. The foundation's most notable accomplishment was the development of the first oral contraceptive, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960.
Dr. McNiven joined the WFEB in 1950, bringing with him a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from St. Andrew's University in Scotland. The foundation was renowned for its pioneering work, particularly in the development of the birth control pill.
As a testament to Dr. McNiven's expertise, he was tasked with procuring the foundation's first Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machine, a cutting-edge technology at the time. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that exploits the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei to reveal detailed information about molecular structure and dynamics. It works by placing a sample in a strong magnetic field and exposing it to radio frequency waves, causing the nuclei to absorb and re-emit energy at specific frequencies that depend on their chemical environment, thereby providing a wealth of structural and compositional data about the sample.
During his tenure at WFEB, Dr. McNiven, in collaboration with his colleague Andre Meyer, developed the first commercially successful blowdown evaporator. This innovative device, initially named the "Meyer N-EVAP," was designed to simplify the removal of organic solvents through evaporation. The durability and effectiveness of this design are evident in the fact that some of the earliest units, still bearing the "Meyer N-EVAP" name, remain in use in laboratories today.
When it came time to name to company, Dr. McNiven wanted to encapsulate both his work in organic chemistry and the automation provided by his new evaporator. He created the unique name "Organomation" by combining two key elements of his work: "organic" and "automation".
This clever portmanteau not only reflects the company's origins but also its commitment to providing automated solutions for organic chemistry laboratories. The name "Organomation" continues to represent the intersection of organic chemistry and automation in laboratory equipment.
For the first decade of Organomation's existence, from 1959 to 1969, Dr. McNiven managed the evaporator business as a side project while maintaining his full-time position at WFEB. During this period, all evaporators were meticulously assembled and shipped from the McNiven family's rented home in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
In these formative years, Organomation was truly a family enterprise. Dr. McNiven's wife, Edith, played a crucial role in the business operations, managing office tasks, including invoicing, often working from a small office set up in the attic of their home.
In 1969, a reduction in the foundation's grant money led Dr. McNiven to make a pivotal decision. He left his position at WFEB after 18 years and transformed Organomation into his full-time focus. This transition marked a significant turning point for the company, with Neal and Edith becoming its sole employees.
As the business grew, it demanded more space. The McNivens rented a facility for instrument production on East Worcester Street in Worcester, while maintaining a separate office space on Madison Street in downtown Worcester. Eventually, driven by increasing sales and a desire to consolidate operations, Organomation relocated to a larger facility on Barefoot Road in Northborough.
The story of Organomation's origins is a testament to Dr. Neal McNiven's innovative spirit, the McNiven family's dedication, and the enduring quality of their products. From its humble beginnings in a family basement to its current status as a respected manufacturer of laboratory equipment, Organomation continues to exemplify the tradition of innovative manufacturing in Massachusetts.
Worcester's rich industrial heritage, dating back to the early 19th century, provides the perfect backdrop for Organomation's success story. The city's transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse was driven by its diverse industrial base, innovative spirit, and influx of skilled immigrant workers. This tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, coupled with a strong blue-collar work ethic, created an environment where companies like Organomation could thrive. Dr. Neal McNiven, himself an immigrant from Canada, embodied this spirit of innovation and hard work. His journey from a chemist at the Worcester Foundation to the founder of a successful manufacturing company mirrors the stories of many immigrants who contributed to Worcester's industrial growth. By maintaining its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, Organomation continues to exemplify the enduring spirit of Worcester's manufacturing tradition, blending the city's industrial heritage with modern technological advancements. The company's evolution from a basement operation to a respected laboratory equipment manufacturer is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that has long defined Worcester's industrial landscape.
The N-EVAP, Dr. McNiven's original invention, remains Organomation's best-selling product line to this day. It has become a staple in laboratories worldwide, used in various industries including environmental testing, agriculture, food and beverage, medicine, quality assurance, forensics, and oil and gas.
The nitrogen blowdown evaporation technique pioneered by Dr. McNiven has proven to be an efficient, safe, and precise method for sample preparation. It allows for rapid evaporation, reduces the risk of oxidation and contamination, and provides controlled evaporation rates leading to consistent and reproducible results.
Today, Organomation continues to build on the solid foundation laid by its founder. The company takes pride in its American manufacturing heritage, sourcing all parts domestically and maintaining a high level of in-house expertise. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship has allowed Organomation to produce instruments that often remain in service for 15+ years.
Read part 2 now!
Organomation Origins (part 2) - Supporting Sample Prep with Parallel Concentrators & Extractors
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