A MANUFACTURER is celebrating 50 years of scientific innovation.
Family-run company Don Whitley Scientific (DWS), based in Bingley, has marked its golden anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to supporting skilled manufacturing jobs in Yorkshire while exporting specialist laboratory technology to more than 80 countries.
Founded in 1976 by microbiologist Dr Don Whitley and his wife Pam from the spare bedroom of their Shipley home, the company has grown into a global manufacturer of equipment used by hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical firms and research laboratories worldwide.
Managing director Paul Walton said: “Reaching our 50th anniversary is an incredible milestone, not just for our business but for everyone who has been part of the journey over the past five decades.
“We’re proud that the vast majority of what we do still happens here in Bingley.
“Designing, building and supporting our products locally allows us to maintain the quality, expertise and personal service that our customers value, while continuing to invest in skilled jobs and manufacturing here in Yorkshire.”
To celebrate the milestone, the company hosted an event on Friday bringing together employees, customers, and partners.
The occasion reflected on half a century of innovation, craftsmanship and scientific achievement, as well as the collaborative culture that has shaped the company’s success.
Marketing manager Bethany Rooke, who organised the anniversary celebrations, said: “Friday was a celebration of everything that makes Don Whitley Scientific special.
“While we were marking 50 years of innovation, we were really celebrating the people behind the business.
“Seeing colleagues from every department come together was a reminder that our greatest strength has always been our people, and that’s exactly what will carry us into the next 50 years.”
DWS has remained rooted in Bradford, with all products designed, engineered, manufactured, serviced and supported from its Bingley headquarters.
The company employs a highly skilled team across engineering, manufacturing, software development, microbiology, marketing, customer support and service engineering.
Its equipment has contributed to global research in areas such as the human microbiome, infectious diseases, cancer, food safety and environmental microbiology.
Despite its international reach, DWS has stayed true to its Yorkshire base and values.
Now spanning three generations of the founding family, the business combines decades of experience with new ideas while remaining independent and future-focused.
The company continues to invest in the next generation of laboratory technologies and is committed to supporting apprentices, engineers, scientists and manufacturing professionals who will help drive innovation in Yorkshire for years to come.
Its core philosophy—combining engineering expertise with scientific understanding—remains unchanged after 50 years.
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DWS remains determined to prove that world-class manufacturing can thrive in Yorkshire.
Looking ahead, the business shows no signs of slowing down in its mission to advance science through reliable, innovative laboratory equipment and technology—designed and built in Yorkshire.
