Bio-Rad‘s dear Co-founder and chairman of the board, David Schwartz, passed away on April 1. He was 88.
Mr. Schwartz served as Bio-Rad President, Chief Executive Officer, and as Chairman of the Board from the company’s incorporation in 1957 until 2003, when his son, Norman Schwartz, assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. He remained Chairman of the Board until he died.
Along with his wife, Alice Schwartz, Mr. Schwartz founded Bio-Rad in 1952 in Berkeley, California, shortly after they had both graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. The company was initially engaged in the development and production of specialty chemicals used in biochemical, pharmaceutical, and other life science research applications. Bio-Rad entered the field of clinical diagnostics in the 1960s with the development of its first test kit for thyroid function that was based on separation techniques and materials developed for life science research.
In the years that followed under the leadership of Mr. Schwartz, Bio-Rad continued to broaden its product lines and expand its geographical markets. Today, the company is renowned worldwide and a leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics.
Rest in Peace. We will sure miss you.
Tags: Bio-Rad Laboratories