Labman are delighted to see another year unfold successfully; sustainably delivering world class robots across the globe, with passion, humility and a sprinkling of fun. From broadening our engineering expertise to finalising plans to extend Labman HQ, 2022 has rewarded us with accomplishments we can definitely be proud of.
Plans for an almost 5000sqm extension to the factory HQ are due to start in spring 2023. The new space will provide additional meeting rooms, work stations, social spaces, a canteen and stunning atrium. Not forgetting lots of valuable open space for bringing together our multi-disciplinary workforce to innovate excellent automation solutions.
The extension (now the fourth, and biggest at this site!) signifies continued growth, and a very positive looking future for the business.
Groundbreaking collaboration projects
2022 has seen a number of new systems developed, which are the culmination of hard work and close collaboration with our customers.
SymphonXTM is a single use purification skid used in bioprocess manufacturing, for the global CDMO partner, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. Through this collaboration Labman have been privileged to gain an insight to the biotechnology industry, supporting FUJIFILM in it’s SymphonXTM journey.
Labman have also spent the last 18 months developing a bio storage system which will eventually be deployed to multiple sites across the world. In November, this next generation technology developed alongside US based customers, was the first of it’s kind to receive FDA-clearance, marking the latest milestone in Labman’s portfolio of medical devices.
The team at Labman have worked tirelessly on this huge collaboration project, to produce a novel and innovative solution to the technological challenges of modern cryogenic storage and management. The project has brought a plethora of new skills, knowledge and experience to Labman’s continued work in the ever important medical industry.
As part of Labman’s future plans for growth and sustainability, the Labman Instrument Development (ID) division implements a development and production workflow of ‘off-the-shelf’ systems. Laboratory processes from various industries often require similar concepts, such as vial weighing, liquid dispensing, sample prep, powder handling, tube labelling and so on.
MultiDose, an automated powder dosing system was launched by Labman ID in 2022 and has received huge interest from sites across the globe. MultiDose provides a cost effective and customisable solution to dosing of powders, while broadening the reach of Labman’s brand into the pharmaceutical industry.
It’s not all hard work though. Maintaining a culture of fun, inclusivity and humility is very important to Labman, to encourage the most positive environment and mentality for our invaluable workforce.
Throughout the year we have had a number of events, such as all you can eat Pancake day, the annual summer party - Labfest, Bonfire night, the Christmas shindig; with caberet performances by staff plus various clubs and gatherings throughout the year.
In July, we held FightFest at Labman HQ – a robot fighting championship aimed at university students to encourage them to get stuck in to an exciting engineering project. This year the event was live streamed and we are looking forward to an even bigger event in 2023.
The Labman Pottery (or LabPot) is the latest addition to the excellent facilities available for staff. A permanent and dedicated pottery area kitted out with all the necessary equipment to channel your inner Josiah Wedgwood. Staff can book sessions to make their own pottery, be creative and feel the sensation of wet clay between the fingers!
November saw Labman’s 30th birthday and we have come a long way in that time. Gone are the days when you would only find an advert in the local newspaper and we had the communal ‘Email PC’.
With confident future plans in place, our marvellous facility, and our awesome workforce leading us, Labman will continue to grow and help our customers meet their challenges for the next 30 years and beyond!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2023.
From all at Labman.