Nanotechnology site in expansion
AHIGH-TECH research and development facility has been developed to meet a fast-track order for a cutting edge nanomaterials manufacturer in Runcorn.
Nanoco Group plc ordered the extra 10,000 sq ft of space to accommodate its ‘urgent’ need for more capacity.
The facility was created at the Heath Business And Technical Park (BTP), where Nanoco has been operating since 2010 making ‘quantum dots’ and other nanomaterials for use in LCD TVs, monitors and lighting systems.
Nanoco’s expansion will more than double its existing 8,000 sq ft footprint at the site.
A spokesman for Heath BTP said the extra space will house state-of-the-art laboratories, offices and storage capacity.
The project was fasttracked by business park owner SOG’s scientific support services team to meet the company’s urgent need and took six months to complete.
Andrew Gooda, Nanoco Technologies Ltd supply chain and compliance ● director, said: “We urgently required additional capacity.
“The attraction for us at The Heath is that SOG not only provided the space we needed but also had the very specialist technical knowledge and expertise to manage the entire facilities project for us, thanks to their team of highly-skilled manage- ment cians.
“We are working to an immensely tight time frame and SOG have delivered to our specification, on time and within budget.
“I don’t believe this could have been achieved anywhere else in the North West.
“SOG not only have the staff and techni- sophisticated science buildings and infrastructure we require, they also provide superb technical support too.
“Our alternative would have been to consider a new build which would have been prohibitive due to the cost and the time involved.”
Charles Davies, SOG resources division manag- ing director, said: “We have a proven track record of being able to adapt and modify laboratory and technical space fast and efficiently.
“We can deliver turnkey projects to customer specifications using our own very talented technicians and working alongside specialist contractors, project-managed by SOG.
“We provide a top quality level of technical support to our customers that other science parks are unable to match.”
Mr Davies added: “We offer a multitude of support services.
“We are health and safety specialists who can support and advise clients to meet their own statutory obligations which is crucial in the design phase to ensure facilities are fit for purpose on completion which in turn saves money, time and effort and minimises the risk of rework. We undertake design risk assessments and deliver total project management packages to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.”