Suncombe, a British engineering company specialising in Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems, biowaste decontamination solutions, GMP washers and sanitary process skids, has successfully delivered a new high-performance Trolley Washbooth system for a leading global biopharmaceutical manufacturer at its UK facility.
The client’s site, a strategically important hub for vaccine production, is a cGMP-regulated facility regularly inspected by both the FDA and MHRA. It handles high-throughput biological processes under stringent hygiene requirements, with egg incubator trolleys playing a central role in egg-based vaccine manufacturing. These trolleys must be cleaned to an exceptionally high standard to safeguard sterile batch production.
With rising global demand, the facility sought to expand washing capacity by commissioning a second, state-of-the-art Washbooth system to complement the existing unit supplied by Suncombe over 20 years ago.
Steve Overton, Operations Director at Suncombe, said, “The original project, nearly 20 years ago, I remember as a great project with a great team. It is heartening to see that the washer is still being relied upon and that we can offer to upgrade this to extend its life.
“All of our systems are designed and developed for the optimum solution to our clients’ requirements but also incorporating our principles of robust, reliable equipment built for longevity. The project was carried out during the most challenging of times during the Pandemic and we are delighted the team’s hard work succeeded in delivering a great project.”
The new installation is based on Suncombe’s advanced BoothWasher™ platform, tailored specifically to the client’s requirements. The double-ended, pass-through configuration allows for safe “clean-out-of-place” (COP) cleaning of trolleys, trays and rack holders, ensuring complete segregation of clean and dirty zones. Designed in compliance with cGMP and ASME BPE standards, the system incorporates fully drainable 316L stainless-steel construction, FDA-approved seals, and SmartWash™ software for precise, recipe-based control.
Integrated with the client’s Building Automation System and Historian, the washer delivers validated performance with comprehensive audit trails, electronic records, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Energy and water efficiency were central to the design, with flexible operation modes allowing optimisation for both full and partial loads.
Dave Adams, Director of Suncombe Ltd, said, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the client for their continued trust and collaboration, and to the Suncombe team for their dedication and professionalism in delivering this important project.
“The success of the new Trolley Washbooth system at the UK facility is a testament to the strength of our long-term partnership and the hard work of everyone involved. Together, we have demonstrated how innovative engineering, teamwork, and commitment to quality can deliver solutions that make a real difference in critical pharmaceutical manufacturing.”
