Biotech firm relocates to Manufacturing Technology Centre
A Midlands-based microbiology testing company has moved its entire research and development operation onto the Manufacturing Technology Centre campus.
Bromsgrove-based Cellfacts Analytics called on the MTC’s experts when it wanted to bring a new rapid analysis process to market. The new equipment is able to carry out the rapid microbiological analysis of liquids during the manufacturing process, to test for contamination.
Cellfacts developed patented technology to analyse paint during the production process, but lacked the capability and expertise to bring it to market.
Experts at the MTC’s Business Launch Centre brought a range of advanced engineering techniques together to re-engineer Cellfacts’ product to prototype stage, and prepare it for volume production.
Cellfacts founder, Dr Crawford Dow, said their technology was unique in its speed and accuracy, and was in demand from the market.
“Without the MTC we could not have done this. Using their knowledge and capabilities we were able to de-risk the engineering processes and develop this product at a speed and cost which would have been impossible otherwise. In addition to maturing this technology for us, the MTC has discovered a number of other applications for it, which will take us into new markets,” he said.
“We have been so impressed with the work done by the MTC, we have moved our entire research and development operation to the MTC campus at Ansty Park,” he added.
Headquartered in The Courtyard, Bromsgrove, Cellfacts has developed a new generation of rapid microbiology instrumentation for manufacturing businesses. Cellfacts technology provides real-time information which aids the control of manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries, actively managing microbial contamination.
Dean Baker, director of the MTC’s Business Launch Centre, said the Cellfacts experience was an example of how they were able to help small and medium sized businesses.
“Cellfacts are now able to explore new markets and get more value from their technology. It is incredibly satisfying to help and support a company like Cellfacts, seeing them bring their entrepreneurial technology to the market and make it a success,” he said.
Based in the MTC’s newly-opened Sopwith Building the Business Launch Centre provides incubation cells for start-ups to develop and manufacture prototypes of their innovative products. They have access to the MTC’s world-class advanced manufacturing and research facilities, as well as the MTC’s team of engineering and manufacturing experts.
The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.
Abdul Hamood and Paul Balu of Cellfacts and Dean Baker of the MTC demonstrate their new process to Chancellor Phillip Hammond during a recent visit.
