Europlaz increases cleanroom capacities with £200k investment
Europlaz, a leading contract manufacturer based in Essex, has embarked on a significant investment drive to expand its cleanroom manufacturing capabilities at its Southminster site. The investment, totalling nearly £4 million, includes a £200,000 expenditure to add 200m² of ISO Class 7 cleanroom space [4][5].
This expansion is part of a broader strategic move to support Europlaz's growing contract manufacturing operations. The new cleanroom facilities are expected to increase contract manufacturing sales by approximately 20%, positioning the company for substantial growth in its sector [3].
The investment is timely, as Europlaz is aiming for an increase in turnover to £15 million by 2025, building on revenues of £13.9 million over the previous twelve months [2]. The cleanroom expansion directly supports this ambitious growth trajectory by improving manufacturing quality and capacity, particularly for medical device production and other precision applications requiring controlled environments.
One of Europlaz's latest successes is the production of ENDOCUFF VISION, a colonoscopy device manufactured for med tech specialist Olympus. This innovative device has been shown to increase the adenoma detection rate by up to 11% [1]. The new cleanroom machines will produce products for Olympus and other clients, using a two-stage injection moulding process with four different variants for the UK, European, and international markets [6].
The additional space will accommodate four new moulding machines and dedicated assembly lines, all of which will be ISO 7 cleanroom compliant. This ensures that Europlaz can maintain the highest standards of quality and precision in its production processes [7].
While Europlaz has a history of successful projects, including a home dialysis machine, a breath-operated inhaler, and a bio-artificial liver [8], the company continues to help medical device and healthcare businesses commercialize new technology. This latest investment drive is a testament to Europlaz's commitment to innovation and growth in the medical sector.
- Europlaz's investment in expanding its cleanroom manufacturing capabilities will foster growth in the medical plastics sector, as the new facilities aim to increase contract manufacturing sales, particularly for medical devices like ENDOCUFF VISION.
- The £4 million investment in cleanroom space will not only support Europlaz's ambitious goal of reaching a £15 million turnover by 2025 but also enhance the quality and capacity of its production processes, contributing to the health-and-wellness and science industries.
- As part of the investment drive, Europlaz plans to add four new moulding machines and dedicated assembly lines, all of which will adhere to ISO 7 cleanroom standards, ensuring precision and quality in the production of medical devices and other products requiring controlled environments.
- With a focus on innovation and growth, Europlaz continues to collaborate with businesses in the medical sector, assisting in the commercialization of new technology and contributing to advancements in healthcare and medical-conditions treatment through its manufacturing of medical devices and medical plastics.
