Written on
August 26, 2025

Northern Engineering Solutions Supports Trailblazing Project In Sustainable Industrial Chemistry

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NESL Supports Trailblazing Project

A North East firm is applying its process engineering expertise to support a trailblazing project in sustainable industrial chemistry.

Northern Engineering Solutions is currently supporting the groundbreaking work of C3 Biotech - a spinout from Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) that is redefining how commodity chemicals and fuels are produced using generative biology and non-sterile fermentation. 

The process engineering company based in North Shields recently designed, built, delivered and installed the first bespoke 1000L fermenter at a facility in Manchester. The fermenter forms part of C3’s proprietary innovation to enable the transition toward bio-derived chemicals at an industrial scale, and it is already showing promising results.

Speaking about the project, Director, Simon Taylor said: “The underlying concept presented by C3 served as a genuine and stimulating challenge for our team. It enabled them to explore innovative avenues of engineering and the art of the possible. The project also closely aligned with our vision and values as a business. We share a deep passion for developing forward-thinking engineering solutions that positively impact the planet and drive sustainability.”

“Effective and continuous communication with our dedicated facility in the North East ensured we could add value at each stage in the process and deliver the job to the highest possible standard. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with C3 Biotech and collaborating to scale the innovation further.”

Launched in 2015, C3’s success is rooted in its ability to develop bio-based alternatives to high-volume petrochemicals, which are essential to products ranging from plastics and textiles to fuels and adhesives. By leveraging biotechnology and fermentation processes, the company offers sustainable solutions that reduce dependency on non-renewable resources.

Tim Daffern, CEO of C3 Biotech, added: “C3 Biotech is pleased to deepen our strategic partnership with Northern Engineering Solutions as we collaborate on advancing the next generation of biomanufacturing for commodity chemicals. Northern Engineering Solutions has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and teamwork throughout our engagement, enabling C3 to achieve its commercial objectives efficiently and effectively.”

Northern Engineering Solutions specialises in the design and build of process systems with a focus on 3D process engineering design, cleanrooms, process pipework, and effluent treatment. The company recently celebrated its 18th birthday, having worked with clients including the Royal Air Force (RAF), GSK, Pragmatic, and Nestlé.