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Category: EVENTS

45 Years of Analytical Excellence: A Night of Celebration and Reflection

With 45 years of pioneering advancements in testing and analytical solutions to show for, ESTEC proudly hosted an unforgettable dinner celebration to mark this incredible milestone. The evening brought together employees, clients, and partners for a night filled with appreciation, reflection, and anticipation for the future.

The evening began with the arrival of our esteemed guests, greeted warmly by the ESTEC team. Cocktails in hand, attendees engaged in lively conversations, reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new connections. It was a moment of excitement and nostalgia, as industry professionals who have worked with ESTEC over the years shared stories and memories. The relaxed atmosphere set the perfect tone for the evening—a celebration of achievements and a look forward to the future.

  ESTEC Team welcoming attendees

Opening & Introductions
The event officially commenced with an opening prayer, reflecting on the journey and blessings that have led ESTEC to this remarkable milestone. This was followed by a round of introductions, where clients and partners got to meet the entire ESTEC team. Every department was acknowledged, highlighting the collective effort that has driven the company forward over the years.          

The Journey of 45 Years: MD’s Address
Our Managing Director, Mr. Rashmikant Patel, took the stage to share the remarkable journey of ESTEC—from its humble beginnings in 1980 to becoming a recognized leader in analytical and testing solutions today. He spoke about the challenges overcome, the major milestones achieved, and the pioneering spirit that has kept ESTEC at the forefront of the industry.

With passion, he emphasized the company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation, and how the strong partnerships, dedicated employees, and loyal clients have played a key role in shaping ESTEC’s success. His speech left a lasting impact, reminding everyone that while 45 years is a remarkable achievement, the journey is far from over.

       Mr. Patel addressing attendees during the 45 years anniversary celebration

 

Honoring Dedication: A 29-Year Legacy
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was dedicated to Carol, our longest-serving employee, who has been part of the ESTEC family since 1996—a remarkable 29 years of service. She took the stage to share her inspiring journey, reflecting on how the company has grown over the years and how she has evolved alongside it. Her speech was a testament to ESTEC’s culture of loyalty, growth, and employee empowerment.

              Caroline, ESTEC’s longest serving employee

 

“Our Story”: The Operations Manager’s Speech
Our Operations Manager, Sonia Patel, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking speech on ESTEC’s impact on Kenya’s industries. She emphasized how the company has played a key role in supporting food safety, pharmaceuticals, and research laboratories, ensuring that quality testing solutions are accessible and reliable.

She highlighted some of the groundbreaking projects ESTEC has been a part of, as well as the company’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Her message was clear—ESTEC is not just a company; it is a partner in progress, committed to advancing analytical excellence in East Africa and beyond.

  Sonia Pater. ESTEC’s Operations Manager.

 

Guest Speeches: Industry Leaders Share Their Stories
The night was further enriched with insightful speeches from industry leaders and partners, who shared their experiences working with ESTEC over the years.

  • Chief Guest: Mr. Henry Rotich, Director of Testing Services, KEBS
    As the Chief Guest, Mr. Rotich from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) emphasized the critical role ESTEC has played in enhancing testing standards across various industries. He spoke about how KEBS has worked closely with ESTEC to ensure quality assurance and compliance with international standards, and how this collaboration has positively impacted the Kenyan market.

  • Dr. Stephen Kigera, Head of Quality Services MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies)
    Mr. Kigera highlighted ESTEC’s invaluable contribution to the pharmaceutical sector, specifically in ensuring reliable and accurate testing for essential medicines. He commended the company’s commitment to precision and its role in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system

  • Mr. Cyprian Kabbis, Bureau Veritas District Chief Executive of East Africa
    Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has been a long-term partner of ESTEC. Mr. Kabbis spoke about how ESTEC’s expertise has supported their analytical processes, enabling them to deliver trustworthy and high-quality testing solutions.

  • Dr. Peter Ngumo, Dpt Director at NQCL (National Quality Control Laboratory)
    Representing the National Quality Control Laboratory, Dr. Ngumo emphasized how ESTEC has been instrumental in providing advanced equipment and technical support for laboratory testing. He expressed gratitude for the strong working relationship and looked forward to continued collaboration in the future.
   Mr. Henry Rotich, KEBS
   Dr. Kigera of MEDS
     Mr. Kabbis, Bureau Veritas
     Dr. Ngumo of NQCL

 

Appreciating Our Guests: Gifts & Gratitude
To express our gratitude, every attendee received a commemorative gift, symbolizing ESTEC’s appreciation for their support and partnership over the years.

A Standing Ovation for the MD
A truly emotional and powerful moment of the night was when the entire room stood up in applause for our Managing Director.
This standing ovation was more than just recognition—it was a heartfelt tribute to his vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making ESTEC what it is today. His influence and guidance have left an undeniable mark on the company and the industry as a whole.

A Night of Conversations, Connections, and Celebration
Throughout the night, cocktails flowed, conversations sparked, and laughter filled the air. Employees, clients, and partners mingled effortlessly, exchanging ideas and sharing their appreciation for the strong relationships built over the years.

One of the highlights of the night was the fun and relaxed interactions between employees and clients—a testament to the deep bonds that go beyond business. It wasn’t just an anniversary dinner; it was a celebration of people, partnerships, and progress.

The event culminated in a delightful dinner, where guests enjoyed an exquisite meal while reminiscing on the journey of ESTEC and envisioning an exciting future ahead.

             

             

          

         

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of ESTEC
This 45-year celebration was more than just a reflection on our past—it was a launchpad for our future. The stories shared, the connections strengthened, and the vision set forth during the event reaffirmed that ESTEC is ready for even greater heights.

As we look ahead, our commitment to innovation, excellence, and strong partnerships remains unwavering. The future holds new opportunities, and ESTEC is poised to embrace them with the same passion and dedication that has defined our past 45 years.

Here’s to many more years of success and innovation! 🥂✨

Advancing Analytical Excellence: Highlights from Our Food & Research Seminar

         

On March 18th, we had the pleasure of hosting industry professionals, researchers, and academics at our Food & Research Seminar, a day dedicated to advancing analytical excellence in food safety, beverage testing, and research. The seminar brought together specialists in chromatography and elemental analysis to discuss innovative solutions that are shaping the future of quality assurance and compliance.

The day began with attendee registration and networking, where participants from diverse sectors—academic institutions, research laboratories, and the food & beverage industry—gathered to exchange ideas. The energy in the room was vibrant, reflecting the shared commitment to improving analytical testing standards.

Our Marketing Executive, Mitchelle Gacheri, kicked off the seminar with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to all attendees for being part of this pivotal event. Tom Ouma, our Business Development Manager, highlighted the critical role of accurate testing in upholding food safety, research integrity, and regulatory compliance. Their opening remarks set the stage for a dynamic and insightful session, leading into expert-led discussions that enriched the seminar.

  Mitchelle                      Tom

 

GC-MS/MS: Detecting Residues & Contaminants with Precision
Led by Sailesh Dhamale, Shimadzu Middle East & Africa (SMEA) Training Manager & Application Specialist, the session on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) highlighted its importance in identifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds in food and beverages. With increasing regulatory demands, GC-MS/MS has become indispensable for detecting toxins, preservatives, and industrial pollutants, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

   Sailesh Dhamale, Training Manager, SMEA

LC-MS/MS: Enhancing Sensitivity in Food & Research Testing
This session focused on Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and its role in food and research testing. Anant Lohar, SMEA Application Specialist (Chromatography),  explored how LC-MS/MS provides precise detection of contaminants, pesticides, and chemical residues—critical for food safety regulations and pharmaceutical research. Real-world applications showcased how the technology improves testing accuracy while maintaining efficiency.

Anant, LC Specialist, SMEA

ICP-MS & ICP-OES: Advancing Elemental Analysis in Food & Research
Sampath Pullekikurthi, SMEA Regional Application & Technical Support Engineer, explored the power of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)  in detecting heavy metals and analyzing mineral composition in food, water, and environmental samples. With food safety regulations tightening worldwide, these techniques are vital in ensuring that food products remain safe for consumption.

     Sampath, Spectroscopy Specialist, SMEA

 

A Fun Interlude: Engaging Games & Activities
To keep the momentum going, we introduced interactive game sessions, giving attendees a chance to relax, engage, and have fun. The room was filled with laughter and friendly competition—reminding us that networking and knowledge-sharing can also be enjoyable!

           

                           

 

Lunch & Networking: Building Meaningful Connections
The networking lunch provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to deepen discussions, ask questions, and build lasting professional relationships. Conversations ranged from technology trends to real-world testing challenges, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration within the industry.

         

 

A Day of Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration
As we closed the event, the enthusiasm and engagement from our attendees reaffirmed the importance of such knowledge-sharing platforms. The insights shared throughout the day will undoubtedly drive advancements in food safety, research, and analytical testing.

                 

                      

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our expert speakers, partners, and attendees who made this seminar a resounding success. At ESTEC, we remain committed to empowering industries with world-class analytical solutions—and this is only the beginning!

See you at our next event!

 

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐂𝐌𝐒 & 𝐇𝐏𝐋𝐂 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚.

In June 2024, we organized a comprehensive GCMS & HPLC user-level training session for our clients in Tanzania in line with our mission of equipping our clients with the expertise and capabilities needed to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of our instruments.

This intensive week-long program was meticulously designed to focus on essential aspects of Shimadzu GCMS & HPLC maintenance. Hosted at the laboratories of ZFDA, a prominent client in Tanzania, the training provided a structured platform for hands-on learning and skill enhancement. The training attracted participants from 12 institutions across Tanzania.

 

GC-MS Training Overview
The GC-MS training program in Zanzibar spanned three intensive days, equipping participants with a thorough understanding of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). We began with foundational topics in chromatography, covering column features, applications, and selection criteria. Participants engaged in troubleshooting exercises, learning to diagnose common issues such as baseline anomalies and peak distortions. The day concluded with detailed instruction on preventative maintenance for GC systems, highlighting essential practices like injection port upkeep and the replacement of components such as ferrules, glass inserts, septa, and O-rings.

On the second and third days, the training deepened with hands-on activities aimed at enhancing GC-MS maintenance skills. Participants gained practical experience in filament replacement, ion source cleaning, and conducting vacuum leak tests. Calibration sessions for mass spectrometry techniques, including Database SIM/MRM and NIST library searches, expanded their analytical capabilities. Practical workshops focused on service procedures and parts replacement for GC-MS systems. Training on the operational nuances of the EVOQUA purified water system was also conducted.

 

Work and Play
Before transitioning to the HPLC training session, participants enjoyed a well-deserved break during a lively event filled with fun and games. This networking opportunity allowed attendees to unwind and socialize in a relaxed setting, fostering camaraderie and professional connections among peers. Engaging activities and light-hearted interactions further enriched the experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere where insights from the training could be shared informally. The cocktail session not only provided a refreshing break but also contributed to a sense of community among participants, enhancing their overall learning and networking experience during the training program.

       

 

HPLC Training Highlights
The latter part of the training program was dedicated to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), providing participants with advanced skills and knowledge to proficiently operate HPLC systems. Sessions began with an in-depth exploration of HPLC configurations and the functional roles of system components. Practical exercises focused on troubleshooting techniques for pumps and degassers, addressing issues such as air entrapment, valve malfunctions, and seal integrity. Discussions on mobile phase purity, filtration methods, and solvent preparation techniques underscored the importance of meticulous system maintenance for reliable analytical results.

Participants gained practical expertise in setting pump pressure, conducting leak tests, and assessing solvent quality critical for precise chromatographic analysis. They also learned essential maintenance practices, including the proper cleaning and replacement of seals, to sustain peak HPLC performance.

By the end of the training, participants were equipped with comprehensive skills to confidently handle diverse analytical challenges and optimize GC-MS and HPLC methodologies in their professional laboratory settings.

Closing Ceremony 
The training concluded with an awards ceremony attended by Dr. Burhani Simai, Executive Director of ZFDA, adding a dignified conclusion to the event.

               
               

Special thanks to all stakeholders who made the training a success.

 

Written by Gacheri Mitchelle Judy |Marketing Executive