Whatman plc
Whatman plc is a Cytiva brand specialising in laboratory filtration products and separation technologies. Whatman products cover a range of laboratory applications that require filtration, sample collection (cards and kits), blotting, lateral flow components and flow-through assays and other general laboratory accessories. Formerly Whatman plc, the company was originally acquired in 2008 by GE Healthcare, which became Cytiva in April 2020. HistoryFounder's innovation and impact![]() The papermaker James Whatman the Elder (1702–1759) founded the Whatman papermaking enterprise in 1740 in Maidstone, Kent, England. He made revolutionary advances to the craft in England and is credited[2] as the inventor of wove paper (or Vélin), an innovation used for high-quality art and printing. His son, James Whatman the Younger (1741–1798), further developed the company's techniques.[3] At a time when the craft was based in smaller paper mills, Whatman innovations led to the large-scale and widespread industrialisation of paper manufacturing. John Baskerville (1707–1775), who needed paper that would take a light impression of the printing plate, approached Whatman; the resultant paper was used for the edition of Virgil's poetry, embellished with Baskerville's typography and designs.[3] The earliest examples of wove paper, bearing his watermark, appeared after 1740.[4] The Whatman business is credited with the invention of the wove wire mesh used to mould and align pulp fibres.[2] This is the principal method used in the mass production of most modern paper. The Whatmans held a part interest in the establishment at Turkey Mill, near Maidstone, after 1740;[1] this was wholly acquired through the elder Whatman's marriage to Ann Harris.[2] "Handmade" paper bearing the Whatman's mark continued in production for special editions and art books[3] until 2002.[5] AcquisitionOn 4 February 2008 GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric, acquired Whatman plc at 270p per share in cash for each Whatman share, valuing Whatman at approximately £363 million (approximately $713 million.) Last production at Maidstone (Springfield Mill) occurred on 17 June 2014.[5] Key products and technologies![]() The Whatman product range covers
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