Fume cupboard solutions offered by new firm

A British-based designer has announced the launch of Fumecare, a new business bringing fume cupboards, ventilated workstations and downflow benches to the UK healthcare and pharmaceutical markets.

The company was launched by John Haugh, whose work in the field of medical and pharmaceutical laboratory containment systems began in the 1990s when he became a director of the North West-based manufacturer, Semper Products. More recently, he worked as an independent design consultant, handling sales and new product development projects for international fume cupboard manufacturers.

The new company will design, supply, install and maintain a full range of British-made products, many of which have already been specified and purchased by clients both in the UK and overseas.

Commenting on the business, Haugh said: “The intention behind the launch was to offer customers a comprehensive package that covered everything from bespoke design and manufacture to the supply of off-the-shelf products and support services such as installation, repair and maintenance.

“Where we are seeing the greatest demand is in bespoke manufacturing and the supply of our recirculatory containment systems, which include fume cupboards and downflow benches. When I was working as a consultant for other manufacturers, I couldn’t help feeling that we could be doing this better in the UK, and it was that train of thought that led, ultimately, to the launch of Fumecare. It’s early days, of course, but we are already receiving substantial orders and new enquiries from all over the world, so we’re obviously very pleased to have made such a positive start.”

Fumecare specialises in recirculatory systems that do not require the construction of ducts or the use of air handling and extraction systems. As a result, products can be installed quickly, with minimal disruption to working routines, and can even be set up as mobile units where required. Moreover, because they are not required to move large volumes of air, they tend to be much more energy efficient than ducted systems and can yield a corresponding saving in operating costs.

The company is accredited under ISO9001 for quality assurance and all its products comply with British Standard BS7978:2001, the specification for recirculatory (filtration) fume containment systems. The company is also registered under the SAFE Contractor scheme and has CHAS accreditation for health and safety.