Shimadzu Research Laboratory, Manchester

VentxLabs delivered a comprehensive upgrade for Shimadzu’s Manchester facility, turning an under-performing area into a stable, compliant laboratory that supports sensitive instruments and routine bench work.

Shimadzu Research Laboratory (Europe) Ltd  (SRL) is the Manchester-based R&D arm of Shimadzu Corporation, established in 1997 to advance core analytical technologies such as mass spectrometry and surface science, and it collaborates widely with academic and industrial partners on research across multiple laboratories.

New heating and cooling systems were installed alongside filtered HVAC to stabilise room conditions under variable workloads, with make-up air and extract balanced to support capture at points of use. Bench-level containment is provided by LEV local exhaust ventilation, with enclosure introduced where processes require it. For readers who ask why a fume cupboard is used, its role is to pull hazardous vapours away from the operator, maintain controlled face velocity and route emissions to extraction or filtration as required by risk assessment, part of a practical package of solutions that keeps operation predictable.

Prior to the upgrade, supply and extract were not coordinated, so capture drifted when several processes ran together. Nitrogen and compressed air lacked clear isolation, slowing maintenance. Heat rejection from instruments created warm zones that undermined repeatability. The works had to proceed alongside live activity, demanding careful sequencing to protect ongoing runs. Storage was ad hoc and finishes were tired, so benches became cluttered and frequent cleaning no longer delivered a professional appearance. The client also needed confidence that new plant would integrate cleanly with the building management system and that alarms would inform rather than distract. Early planning workshops set instrument priorities, operator routes and clearances so the programme could move quickly without rework.

VentxLabs completed a measured survey, airflow readings and a services audit to map loads, routes and manufacturer requirements. The room plan was adjusted to shorten travel distances and remove crossing movements, keeping sample flow and service access front of mind. Capture-velocity targets were set for each LEV point and checked against make-up air to keep pressure stable under variable workloads. BMS interfaces were defined with named data points and intelligible set-point logic so operators can verify status at a glance.

Attention to the bench plane reduced clutter and improved posture. Cable management keeps data and power tidy, hose paths avoid snags, and frequently used consumables sit within easy reach. A compact cluster of height-matched laboratory tables supports group discussion and quick hand-backs to workstations without re-arranging the room. Wet areas received chemical-resistant laboratory worktops to support wipe-down protocols and protect against spills. Durable storage and selected items of furniture were chosen for easy cleaning and a bright, low-glare finish, creating coherent interiors that read as professional rather than decorative. Because the estate will evolve, the services plan reserves capped points so the room can support a modular lab configuration when workloads spike or new techniques are trialled. Commissioning overlapped with user availability so live feedback guided final tuning, and experience from comparable projects informed decisions on spares, filter intervals and forward planning across other laboratories on site.

The completed laboratory fitout delivers steady thermal conditions, verified airflow and dependable utilities at the points that matter. An emergency safety station with shower and eyewash is positioned for rapid response and routine weekly testing. Supply and extract now move together so face velocity remains consistent; alarms prompt action without creating alert fatigue. Nitrogen and compressed air lines have clearly labelled isolation and logical valve schedules that simplify maintenance. The envelope is robust and cleanable, with protected corners where trolleys turn, and lighting is even and low-glare to aid visual checks during methods. Provision is included for future fume cupboards if specific methods require fixed ducted containment.

Containment measures include tuned LEV points and enclosure where required. Commissioning confirmed capture performance, pressure relationships and services integrity, establishing a clear baseline for future checks and audits. Operational gains are immediate: calmer conditions, faster recovery to steady state and easier supervision. Facilities teams benefit from orderly plant layout and accessible documentation. Management can evidence reduced interruption and a safer, more predictable environment. The room supports focused instrument runs and concise demonstrations for visitors with minimal reset between sessions. Selected furniture elements standardise storage and cable management so benches can be cleared quickly, and the finishes palette presents well for photography and audit—creating technical spaces that are comfortable to work in and straightforward to maintain.

Flexibility is built in. Spare capacity and capped services allow additional points to be activated without opening finished walls, and records of schematics, valve positions and set-points sit with the room so decisions are taken quickly. The upgrade demonstrates how practical engineering paired with clear communication produces dependable solutions that retain value. It also provides a benchmark for future projects on the site and a clear pattern for phased refurbishment across adjacent areas. Over time, the gains compound: fewer distractions during runs, fewer service delays and greater confidence that the environment is not adding variance to data.

The result is a modern laboratory that is efficient to run, easy to maintain and ready to adapt as methods evolve, with a roadmap that anticipates further refurbishment when priorities and budgets align and that scales across the wider network of laboratories in the estate.

“From the first LEV discussion to completion, the team’s responsiveness and attention to detail were outstanding.” — Daniel White, Head of Health, Safety & Facilities, Shimadzu Research Laboratory (Europe) Ltd.