Proteintech, Manchester laboratory fit-out

VentxLabs delivered a turnkey Laboratory Fit-out for Proteintech’s Manchester site, creating a fully functional demonstration laboratory that is ready for hands-on training and scheduled showcases from day one. Proteintech Group is a global life-science reagents company founded by scientists in 2001, best known for its portfolio of antibodies, proteins and ELISA kits that support reproducible research; the company’s European team is based in Manchester and recently expanded into the Transmission building in Enterprise City with an on-site training laboratory.

This project aligns the space with Proteintech’s brand and operational needs by combining new power, data and water services with robust benching, heavy-duty epoxy sinks and an integrated ventilation strategy that protects users and equipment. A mobile filtration Fume cupboard enables compliant experiments without fixed ductwork, allowing the layout to be reconfigured quickly as demonstration content changes. Finishes were selected for durability and hygiene so the environment remains professional for visitors and dependable for staff, and the delivery covered concept, coordination, installation, commissioning and handover under a single programme shaped by strong laboratory design principles.

The footprint had to host live demonstrations without compromising safety, comfort or supervision. Utilities needed to be dependable at the bench line, with isolation and capacity for incremental equipment as the programme grows. Surfaces and sealants had to tolerate frequent cleaning, occasional solvent contact and repeated chair or trolley movement. The ventilation strategy needed to maintain capture at source and comfortable background conditions without excessive noise. In parallel, the project required close coordination with other trades working on the floorplate, aligning deliveries, inspections and commissioning so the facility could open on a fixed date with no snagging that would disrupt training schedules. Maintaining a tidy, brand-consistent appearance was essential, so containment hardware, isolation points and signage had to be integrated in a way that remains accessible to the team while presenting well to visitors.

These constraints demanded rigorous laboratory design and clear communication. Power diversity, breaker allocation and clean-earth provisions were modelled against likely future instrument loads to avoid nuisance trips during demonstrations. Make-up air and extract were balanced to prevent draughts at the presenter bench. Storage volume was increased without narrowing aisles required for accessibility, photography and equipment moves. Each of these items was coordinated early to avoid late changes that could affect the programme and interrupt internal research days.

Planning began with a measured survey and services audit to map loads, heat gains and ventilation needs. Layout development prioritised operator safety, sample flow and cable management, while preserving the clear sightlines needed for audiences and cameras. Bench runs, sink positions and service drops were arranged to minimise trailing leads and to keep wet activities away from sensitive electronics. Mechanical and electrical connections were engineered directly to the bench line with labelled isolation points and dedicated circuits for higher-draw equipment. Six cast-epoxy sinks with drainers and lab-grade mixer taps were specified for durability and easy cleaning. Laboratory vinyl was installed over a prepared sub-floor to create a continuous, slip-resistant and chemical-resistant surface that stands up to daily use and repeated reconfigurations.

Ventilation design balanced capture at source with background comfort. The selected mobile filtration Fume cupboard provides compliant containment with minimal disruption to the ceiling void or envelope and can be positioned for maximum visibility during demonstrations. Where day-to-day storage was required, a discreet run of laboratory shelving keeps frequently used consumables within easy reach while preserving audience sightlines. To support cleaning protocols and public-facing demos, laboratory worktops were specified for chemical resistance and fast sanitation, protecting the finish without slowing changeovers. Product sourcing drew on trusted laboratory benches uk suppliers to secure quality, documentation and aftercare, which helps the client with future maintenance and repeat orders. Commissioning and onboarding were planned with the client’s team so verification and handover training could run alongside staff familiarisation, reducing the time between practical completion and the first live event.

Throughout, the approach remained anchored to resilient laboratory design that would age well. Conduits and containment routes allow for additional outlets later without opening large areas of finished wall. Data points were placed to support alternative bench orientations for different audiences. The overall strategy provides a robust framework that can accept new instruments, new cabling and new display equipment without destabilising the room or interrupting scheduled research and training.

The completed Laboratory Fit-out delivers validated services at the bench, stable environmental conditions and a cleanable fabric that supports frequent demonstrations. Benching, sinks and taps are installed to manufacturer clearances, with power and data provisioned for current instruments and reserved capacity for future upgrades. The mobile filtration Fume cupboard offers safe, movable containment for wet chemistry and solvent handling, allowing the presenter to position the enclosure for visibility while maintaining a controlled face velocity and appropriate filtration media. Emergency isolation and routine maintenance access are integrated discreetly, keeping the room tidy for visitors while meeting compliance expectations. Post-installation commissioning confirmed airflow, pressure relationships and services integrity, and the team received a concise handover covering safe operation, filter-change intervals and cleaning protocols.

Durability has been considered at every junction. Corners are protected where trolleys turn, and transitions are specified to withstand frequent cleaning regimes. Storage and consumables are rationalised so presenters can reset the space quickly. Seating has been chosen for stability and ease of cleaning, and the floor finish provides quiet underfoot movement that reduces audio distraction during recorded sessions. Within the wider service offer, VentxLabs combines practical engineering with clear communication to deliver dependable solutions that perform on day one and remain adaptable as needs change. Those solutions scale from small demonstration spaces to multi-room laboratories, giving clients a single partner from concept to sign-off.

“We are delighted with the design and fit-out of our new demonstration lab, the first of its kind within Proteintech Group. The fit-out team worked professionally, efficiently, and collaboratively. The project was completed quickly with excellent results. We’ve had great feedback and would not hesitate to use Ventxlabs again.”

— Deborah Chapman, Proteintech Group Operations Manager