MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., (July 21, 2008) – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the new Thermo Scientific APEX 300 metal detectors, offering high sensitivity in a small, easy to install package. These new APEX models are also available in complete drop through (D) and pipeline (P) systems, making integration into a production line easy and fast. Specifically designed for food and beverage applications, the APEX 300 is ideal for bulk flow and piped products. Due to its small size, the APEX 300 is also offered in combination with the Thermo Scientific VersaWeigh checkweigher, creating a state-of-the-art integrated weighing and contaminant detection system.

The new metal detectors build on the trusted APEX™ family of products, currently installed in more than 1,500 systems around the world. The APEX 300 specifically addresses a new class of applications by handling fast-moving gravity fed or piped products without sacrificing sensitivity. Designed with new signal processing algorithms, the APEX 300 is optimized for high-speed scanning and detection of contaminants. The unique multi-coil design (patent-pending) of the APEX 300 delivers the highest level of sensitivity possible in a compact, lightweight design.

“This is a significant expansion of the APEX line – we’ve integrated the accuracy and reliability of our metal detectors for conveyors into many different models designed for the challenging drop-through and pipeline applications,” said Bob Ries, product manager for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “With this step, we’re offering our customers new ways to apply leading APEX technology to ensure food safety and protect their brands.”

All APEX 300 metal detectors have a hygienic design, which allows for easy wash down and cleaning. In bulk flow and pipeline applications this eliminates the chance of cross-contamination during product changeover. The detector’s rugged touch screen has no removable parts, which translates to lower maintenance and, ultimately, a lower total cost of ownership. 

Givaudan, a global fragrance and flavorings producer that served as a beta tester installed an APEX 300 drop-through application in December 2007. "The APEX 300 is the most reliable metal detector in our operation," said Tim Pignato, maintenance supervisor at Givaudan’s Itasca, IL facility.

Key benefits of the Thermo Scientific APEX 300 include:

• Compact design: enables simple installation and easy maintenance without sacrificing performance.
• Maximum sensitivity: results in fewer false rejects because of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s patent pending, multi-coil design and new application-specific software.
• Increased flexibility: with a wide variety of sizes and types, the APEX 300 can be used in drop-through and pipeline applications as well checkweigher combination systems.
• Patented AuditCheck: enables continuous monitoring of metal detector sensitivity performance, eliminating the need for manual metal detector audits.
• Available in complete systems (D and P): minimizes time and cost to install a metal detector by including all product handling and rejection functions.

Backed by the extensive worldwide Thermo Fisher Scientific service network, the APEX metal detector family allows customers to fulfill their regulatory obligations for food safety and protect their brand value by preventing metal-contaminated products from reaching the customer. For more information about the Thermo Scientific APEX metal detectors, please visit: www.thermo.com/apex. 

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10 billion, we have more than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.