The future of biologics manufacturing, in the heart of Kent

SEKISUI Diagnostics, a global leader in bioproduction and diagnostics raw materials and reagents, has long been at the forefront of microbial fermentation, protein production, and downstream processing. Their work supports hospitals, laboratories, and life sciences companies around the world, but the impact starts at home, in the UK, where SEKISUI continues to expand its capabilities to meet increasing global and clinical demand.

A new 1,400-litre Solaris I-Series industrial fermenter, a custom-engineered bioreactor, has been purpose-built and will help power SEKISUI’s next phase of growth. Designed by Solaris Biotech in Italy and delivered by long-standing partner BPES, this system marks the largest and most ambitious project in BPES' history to date.

More Than a Machine, A Strategic Milestone

This is not just another piece of equipment. The Solaris I-1400 fermenter is a highly advanced, stainless-steel system equipped with Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilise-in-Place (SIP) capabilities. It was designed specifically for SEKISUI’s process needs, a perfect fit for their advanced microbial fermentation work and downstream expertise in the production of enzymes and proteins.

A Local Relationship with Global Reach

BPES and SEKISUI's partnership is rooted in proximity and strengthened by mutual respect and understanding. With both organisations based in Kent, the relationship has grown through frequent collaboration, technical visits, and joint planning sessions.

So, when SEKISUI needed a tailor-made fermentation system, it was a natural fit to turn to BPES, who brought the project to life in partnership with Solaris Biotech.

From the 17th to 20th of June, key members of Sekisui’s production and engineering teams, including Darren Ladd (Director, High Volume Production), Barry Green (Fermentation System Specialist), and Richard Cormode (Senior Project Engineer), joined BPES’ Stuart Pope, Matthew Wright and Solaris engineers at the Solaris factory in Porto Mantovano, Italy for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). The result? A flawless trial and the green light to ship the system to the UK.

The vessel arrived in Kent on 25th July 2024. Over the following weeks, a team from Solaris, including Mattia Amadori and Giuseppe Bove, worked alongside BPES to carry out a technically demanding installation. The fermenter had to be manoeuvred into a pre-existing fermentation suite, uprighted safely, and integrated with new platforms and pipework.

From 16th to 20th August, Solaris engineers Davide Bergagnin and Federica Rimondi returned to the site to perform the Site Acceptance Test (SAT). With all systems performing as intended, the fermenter was commissioned and officially ready for use.

Accelerating UK-Based Biomanufacturing

For SEKISUI, the new fermenter supports their production capacity at a critical time. The company’s Enzymes and BioProduction business unit specialises in custom protein production, diagnostics raw materials manufacturing, and contract fermentation services.

With advanced control over culture conditions, scale-up processes, and purification workflows, SEKISUI can manufacture and take on new projects with greater confidence in consistency, quality, and compliance.

This installation isn’t just a technical win, it’s a strategic investment in the UK’s biomanufacturing capability and a powerful example of how local partnerships can deliver global impact.

Looking Ahead

We are proud to have played a role in supporting SEKISUI’s mission to provide intelligent solutions to enhance life with science and improve the health of all people. The delivery of the Solaris I-1400 fermenter is a reflection of what’s possible when strong relationships, technical know-how, and custom engineering come together to solve real-world challenges.

We look forward to supporting SEKISUI on future projects and to continuing our mission of empowering UK biotech with the tools, technologies, and support needed to scale breakthroughs from bench to production.