Driving Innovation and Capacity at Albumedix Sartorius

At Albumedix Sartorius, innovation and scalability are at the heart of their mission to support the growing global demand for recombinant human albumin. In partnership with Scitech, they’ve successfully completed two transformative phases of expansion at their Nottingham-based Commercial Albumin Production Plant (CAPP), each designed to significantly enhance manufacturing capacity and efficiency.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation for Growth

The journey began with a strategic Site Master Planning exercise and Concept Design, leading to the construction of a new multi-story extension to the existing CAPP facility. This phase aimed to reduce batch cycle time, a critical step in meeting increasing product demand.

The extension provided space for new upgraded utilities including:

• Pyrogen-Free Water generation and distribution
• Laboratory gases
• Compressed air
• Plant steam
• Chilled water
• HVAC systems

Scitech navigated the challenges of a constrained urban site, securing full planning consents and executing a fast-tracked construction program aligned with Albumedix Sartorius’ manufacturing targets. The project also safeguarded space for future manufacturing expansions, setting the stage for continued growth.

Phase 2: Accelerating Capacity and Efficiency

Building on the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 targeted a further increase in manufacturing capacity. This phase involved a major expansion of the downstream purification area and the integration of advanced process equipment, including:

• Chromatography and UF/DF skids
• Column Packing systems
• IPC Lab
• Buffer preparation, CIP, SIP and clean utility systems

A new Siemens PCS7 control system was implemented, alongside infrastructure upgrades such as a new AHU, additional boiler and modifications to black utility systems. Internal areas including the control room, warehouse and office spaces were reconfigured to support the expanded operations.

Scitech delivered this phase through scheme and detailed design to construction, executing a complex, phased construction approach to minimise production downtime. Our validation support throughout the lifecycle, including IQ and OQ, ensured seamless integration and compliance.

Looking Ahead: Phase 3 on the Horizon

With the successful completion of Phases 1 and 2, Albumedix Sartorius is now poised to explore Phase 3. While the scope is yet to be fully defined, this next chapter will complete the full transfer of their manufacturing processes across to their new Process Control System, as well as implementing further manufacturing capacity improvements and equipment upgrades.  Stay tuned as we help shape the future of albumin production.

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