Microbiology Expert Re-Locates To MTC Campus

A Midlands-based microbiology testing company was so impressed by the expertise of the Manufacturing Technology Centre's engineers that it has moved its entire research and development operation onto the MTC 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, but they would not have been able to deliver it without MTC expertise.

"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 a prime 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.

Dean Baker said, "We are able to provide a de-risked environment for start-ups with the support of our product development team from concept to manufacture. Through the MTC's membership we can give young companies the opportunity to draw on the wider manufacturing community to create a successful and sustainable business. Our knowledgeable team offers an end-to-end service to reduce the stress of bringing a product to market."

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.

The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.