A Message from Our Chief Science Officer

Hello,

I want to personally thank you for your continued trust and patience as we work through one of the most complex operational environments our lab has experienced.

We are currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in sample volume, which has significantly limited our ability to provide exact report delivery estimates and we can no longer quote specific report dates. While our team is working tirelessly to maintain consistency and accuracy, the current volume leaves little room for flexibility. We appreciate your continued trust as we focus on delivering the highest quality results without compromise.

We are currently processing more samples than we did during the initial industry surge, and our team is working diligently to build a sustainable, long-term solution. As additional testing facilities come online across the state, we recognize that our sample volume will inevitably shift. While we can’t predict exactly how the landscape will evolve, we remain committed to supporting the sustainability of Montana’s cannabis industry—while also ensuring the long-term health and stability of our own business.

What We’re Doing to Support the Industry.

Expanding Our Extraction Team

We’ve recently hired two new sample extraction chemists and are prioritizing recruitment, applicant screening and interviews, and ensuring our new hires expedite their badging process. This is part of our effort to increase laboratory bench staffing by 50% at end of Q3.

We’re Still Hiring

Apply today or share this with someone you know:

Premium Service Contracts on All Instruments

To minimize downtime, we’ve placed all lab instruments under premium service contracts totaling $250,000 per year. If a piece of equipment goes down, the manufacturer is now required to be onsite within 24 hours to service or repair it—dramatically reducing delays.

New LCMS Instruments for Pesticide Testing

We’ve added two additional triple quad LCMS instruments to support the increased volume of pesticide testing. These instruments have now been installed and put into full service by the manufacturer, significantly expanding our throughput capacity.

Implementing 6σ/LEAN Operational Strategies

We are researching and budgeting for Six Sigma/LEAN consultants to help us identify and implement more efficient workflows—allowing us to do more with the same resources. While this is a long-term investment, we’re excited to learn and adopt proven efficiency strategies used by some of the largest cannabis labs in the country.

We understand that this is frustrating. We’ve heard your concerns, especially from those trying to plan wholesale schedules or product launches, and we are doing everything within reason to hold up the Montana cannabis industry. We will continue to communicate clearly and often, and we are grateful to work with clients who share our values of integrity, science, and trust.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Andre Umansky
Chief Science Officer | Fidelity Diagnostics