Kent - a rising star

The synergies between the pharmaceutical industry and the food and environmental sectors are currently being developed by Kent Process Technologies, located in Ardcavan in Co. Wexford.

From its origins in 1988 as a small general engineering company, Kent Stainless has grown into a world class manufacturer of branded and bespoke stainless steel products for the healthcare, pharmaceutical and food sectors. Its own brand of products marketed under the Kent Star name includes drainage products, surface protection, sanitary and cleanroom equipment. The company's 8,000m² plant contains a 3D laser cutting and electropolishing facility.

Kent Stainless has recently developed a new range of cleanroom gully, specifically aimed at the pharmaceutical, biopharm and chemical industries. The standard gully is complete with sealed covers which can be opened using a suction cup. The automatic deluge gully is the latest addition to the range. A pneumatic cylinder opens the cleanroom cover in the event of a sprinkler system activation, the emptying of a vessel or any other discharge.

In 2002 Food Design Applications and Solids Technology International were acquired, to create Kent Process Technologies. The group now employs some 170 people and has increased its turnover from €4m to €15m within a three-year period. Exports have also grown exponentially and were expected to reach 45% of output in 2003.

Solids Technology International designs, builds and installs turnkey dewatering systems for wastewater and cleanwater applications and is therefore a good fit with the Kent Stainless drainage systems. It has more than 600 installations in 14 countries, including pharmaceutical plants, notably Pfizer in Cork. Kent plans to introduce a centrifuge range into the Solids Technology business, which could lead it into other areas of the pharma sector.

'We are not just selling a piece of equipment,' stresses Derek Kent, group sales and marketing director. 'What differentiates us is that we offer a process.'