Pre-assembled Systems Area (PSA)

Building your life sciences facility in ours

Our Pre-assembled Systems Area (PSA) at our Global Technical Centre is setup to:

  • Deliver production capacity and resource to build your future life sciences factory in ours.
  • Provide you off-site modular pre-assembled systems that can be skidded into your production site.
  • Offer one destination for your engineering team to be involved in the design, build, commission, qualification, and validation of your systems.

“Our growth in the life sciences sector has been born from a passion and desire to offer market leading technologies to major blue chip companies across the entire production process.

Briggs of Burton are leading exciting new projects in the life sciences market and are developing engineering solutions to help our customers with their sustainability targets.”

Robert Buxton, Managing Director at Briggs of Burton

State-of-the-art and purpose-built

Our Pre-assembled Systems Area (PSA), located in the centre of the UK, is a clean, modern production environment with a finish that meets your own operations and expectations.

Production area:

  • 890 m2
  • 6 ‘flexible’ production cells at ~12.8m x 6.4m
  • 2 x 10-ton overhead cranes
  • 8m clear height to u/s gantry crane hook
  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

Engineering Services

We offer specialised solutions tailored to the specific needs of your Life Sciences projects.

Project Delivery

  • Feasibility Studies
  • Conceptual Design
  • FEED Studies
  • Detailed Design
  • Project Management

Engineering

  • 3D Design of the Units
  • Mechanical Calculations
  • Process Engineering Calculations
  • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Design
  • Atmosphères Explosibles (ATEX) Design
  • Site Management (Principal Contractor)

Vessels

  • According to standards and regulations
    • Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) / Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations PE(S)R
    • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII Div1 / Div2
    • ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) vessels, pipework and systems
    • PD5500 Specification for Unfired Pressure Vessels
    • EN13445 Standard for Unfired Pressure Vessels
  • Stationary, Mobile, On Skid
  • Welding (Automatic, Manual)
  • Grinding (Automatic, Manual)
  • Passivation and Electropolishing
  • Riboflavin Testing
  • Surface Finish Testing
  • Agitator Testing

Piping

  • Isometrics
  • Installation
  • Assembly
  • Orbital Welding
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

In-House Automation and Control

  • Hardware Design
  • Software
  • Functional Design Specification (FDS)
  • Wiring
  • Connection to SCADA System
  • ATEX Applications

Commissioning, Qualification and Validation Services

  • Design (DQ)
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
  • Installation (IQ)
  • Operational (OQ)

Customer Service and Support (CSS)

  • Support
  • Servicing
  • Spares
BRIGGS PLC

Bespoke system design of pre-assembled,
modular, skid systems:

  • Specialist Manufacture of Briggs Giusti Vessels, Systems and Skids
  • Clean in Place (CIP) / Steam in Place (SIP) Systems
  • Drug Addition Vessels (DAVs) or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) handling units
  • Liquid/Semi-Solid Mixing Vessels
  • Pressure Vessels
  • Bioreactors
  • Process equipment: Pumps, Valves, Heat Exchangers
  • Industrial Automation and Control Systems
  • Operator platforms
  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

Building Process
Systems for the
Life Sciences
Industry

At BRIGGS, we are your trusted partner in delivering end-to-end modular process systems tailored for the Life Sciences industry.

From concept to commissioning, our expert engineers design, fabricate, install, and validate GMP compliant process skids that accelerate time-to-market, ensure regulatory readiness, and optimise operational efficiency.

Whether you’re scaling up your biologics production or modernising your sterile manufacturing facility, our integrated solutions combine engineering excellence, robust automation, and lifecycle support ensuring your critical processes perform flawlessly, every time.

Let us help you build the future of healthcare, one system at a time

Offering you a one stop shop from feasibility studies to bespoke process systems for your next Life Sciences Project.

The BRIGGS purpose built, state-of-the-art production area incorporates six assembly bays for constructing mixing systems. Providing our customer with:

  • Production capacity and resource to build their future factory in ours.
  • Space, capacity, and in-house expertise, to provide modular, pre-assembled systems that are built off-site and seamlessly integrated into your production site. 
  • One destination for engineering teams to be involved in the design, build, commission, qualification, and validation of their systems.

Products

mixing systems

Mixing Systems

Mixing and compounding systems for the pharmaceutical and health, beauty and personal care industries

pressurised

Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs)

We design, engineer, and build market leading pMDI mixing systems globally

Capabilities & Services

capabilities

Engineering Services

We offer specialised solutions tailored to the specific needs of your Life Sciences projects

pharmaceutical

Pre-assembled Systems Area (PSA)

Trusted to deliver complete life sciences projects through pre-assembled systems

Knowledge Centre

PSA Shop floor Norbrook

Life Sciences Case Studies

Discover Briggs of Burton’s cutting-edge solutions for global life sciences projects

At BRIGGS, we’re dedicated to delivering safe, efficient and sustainable solutions for our clients.

evolving

Rum

Revolutionising Caribbean Rum Production

Rum production in the Caribbean is a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental factors that shape the distinctive character of this beloved spirit. Two primary types of stills play a crucial role in the process: pot stills and column stills.

Pot Stills

These traditional copper stills have been used for centuries in Caribbean rum production. They are relatively small and batch-based, allowing for the creation of flavourful, artisanal rums. Pot stills operate by heating the fermented molasses or sugarcane juice to produce alcohol vapour, which then condenses and transforms into the final spirit. The use of pot stills contributes to the rich and complex flavors associated with Caribbean rums.

Column Stills

Column stills are a more modern and efficient approach to rum production. These tall, continuous distillation towers enable a higher volume of rum to be produced consistently. They work by separating the alcohol from other components through a series of distillation stages. The result is a lighter, purer spirit, which is often aged further to develop its unique taste profile.

caribbean climate

The Caribbean’s hot and humid climate has a significant impact on the aging and blackening of equipment installed in rum production facilities.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity accelerates the aging process of rum in wooden barrels, giving it a richer taste and aroma. However, this climate can also pose challenges to the equipment used in the production process.

The heat and humidity can lead to corrosion and wear and tear on the machinery, especially for older facilities that may have aging infrastructure. This is where engineering companies specialising in equipment service and repair become crucial. Regular maintenance and expertise in dealing with the specific environmental conditions are essential to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the equipment.

caribbean

The rich Caribbean culture plays a vital role in rum production. The craftsmanship and techniques passed down through generations contribute to the region’s unique rum-making heritage. It’s a combination of both traditional methods and modern innovations that make Caribbean rum production truly special.

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

mount gay rum

Focus on: Mount Gay Rum

Mount Gay Rum is renowned for its distinct spirit character, boasting a smooth and well-balanced taste profile with subtle notes of oak and tropical fruits.

The brand achieves this exceptional flavour through a combination of both traditional pot stills and modern column stills, showcasing a harmonious blend of time-honored craftsmanship and innovative distillation techniques.

Agave Based Spirits

Briggs has a deep understanding of tequila and mezcal production processes

We are committed to providing engineering services across Mexico, from concept through to commissioning and beyond, with after-sales, service and repair support.

Our expert team can guide and demonstrate ‘best available’ technology selection and transfer to new applications.

We know and understand traditional, modern and hybrid production processes for agave-based spirits:

  • Small production: more than 10,000 L/day (at 55% ABV)
  • Industrial (>100kL per day at 55% ABV)

We understand requirements can include:

  • Varying production scales
  • Product types (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo)
  • VIP and customer experiences
  • Sustainability (carbon, water, energy and the wider environment)
  • Partner with Civil, Structural, and Architects (CSA) to bring projects to life

Our Experience – Various distilleries across Mexico

Raw Materials Handling and Processing

  • Processing and cooking whole agaves and cut agave pieces
  • Masonry ovens & milling (traditional), diffuser & juice conversion (modern) and autoclave & milling (hybrid)

Fermentation

  • Design and construction of stainless steel tanks
  • Familiar with open-top fermenters with wild yeast
  • Familiar with closed-top fermenters with specific yeast strain, fermenter cooling and yeast propagation
  • Familiarity with “set back” across a range of distilled spirits

Distillation

  • Design and construction of stainless steel stills from 5,000 litres to 30,000 litres, including copper worm tubs.
  • Alambique Pot Stills (Traditional), Distillation Columns (Modern), Combined Column and Pot Still operation (Hybrid)
various distilleries across mexico

various distilleries across Mexico

agave plant

Tequila and mezcal are both agave-based spirits from Mexico, but their main difference lies in their production regions and agave varieties. Tequila is made primarily from blue agave in specific regions like Jalisco, while mezcal can be produced from various agave species and comes from different regions, resulting in distinct flavour profiles and production methods.

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

White Spirits

Supporting distilleries in producing white spirits such as Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS), vodka, and gin at every scale.

Briggs of Burton and McMillan Coppersmiths are industry leaders, with Briggs specialising in the project delivery of white spirit projects, often collaborating on major sites like Diageo Cameronbridge. Together, they play a crucial role in the production of white spirits, including Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS), vodka, and gin, combining expertise in engineering and distillation equipment provision.

Engineering Services by Briggs of Burton

Briggs of Burton is renowned for its comprehensive engineering services that play a pivotal role in the production of white spirits. Their deep understanding of distillation is utilised to design and optimise the entire production process. They ensure that every aspect, from raw material selection to the final product’s quality, adheres to the highest industry standards. Briggs of Burton’s engineering expertise is instrumental in delivering efficient, high-quality white spirit projects.

Distillation Equipment by McMillan Coppersmiths

On the other hand, McMillan Coppersmiths excels in providing state-of-the-art distillation equipment, which is essential for crafting premium white spirits. Their expertise lies in the design, fabrication, and installation of specialised distillation systems, drawing inspiration from historic copper pot still shapes and traditional finishes. They also lead in technology for vapour infusion and macerated gin distillation systems, often working with brands such as The Lakes Distillery. McMillan Coppersmiths’ equipment ensures precise control over the distillation process, enabling the production of spirits with distinct flavours and characteristics.

Together, Briggs of Burton’s project delivery expertise and McMillan Coppersmiths’ cutting-edge distillation equipment form a dynamic partnership that guarantees the highest quality in white spirits production. Briggs’ engineering excellence complements McMillan’s innovative equipment solutions, resulting in the creation of exceptional vodka and gin, each with its own unique flavour profile.

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

International Spirits

Leaders in the Spirits Industry

At Briggs of Burton and McMillan Coppersmiths, we’re industry leaders in spirits with a rich history and commitment to excellence. Briggs of Burton has been instrumental in helping major spirits brands enter the Chinese market, focusing on whiskey. We excel in technology integration, from raw materials to distillation and storage, with a focus on mashing and energy recovery systems.

McMillan Coppersmiths is renowned for crafting copper stills and distillation equipment, known for quality and innovation.

Our skilled teams in China, supported by CIMC Liquid Process Technology (CLPT), ensure success.

As pioneers, we assist Chinese brewers and distillers in exploring international spirits like whiskey, with our expertise and cutting-edge technology.

With Briggs of Burton and McMillan Coppersmiths, you gain a legacy of success and a portfolio of world-famous brands as references.

Briggs has significant experience with technology transfer from other spirits, notably around heat recovery on the condensers of the distiller.

Spirit distillery

I’m truly delighted to have had the opportunity to design, build, and commission a 3 MLPA malt whisky and 30 MLPA grain alcohol distillery for the Shanghai Bacchus company. This project offered me a great experience as an engineer, and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets precision in the world of distillery engineering.”

Pritpal Singh, Lead Process Engineer

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

Briggs BrewStillery

Unlock New Opportunities in Distilled Spirits with Briggs BrewStillery

Are you a brewery looking to expand into the world of distilled spirits, diversify your product offerings, and maximise your existing resources? Look no further than the Briggs BrewStillery – your gateway to versatile, spirit production.

Key Benefits

  • Diversify Your Portfolio: Briggs BrewStillery empowers breweries to venture into distilled spirits, enabling exciting product diversification.
  • Seamless Integration: This innovative solution seamlessly integrates with your existing brewery production system and utilities, making it a convenient addition to your operations.
  • Resource Efficiency: Harness the power of flexible production using your current raw materials. Adjust your product split based on demand, allowing for efficient resource utilisation.
  • Versatile Spirit Production: With Briggs BrewStillery, you can transform brewery wort or beer into a remarkable array of spirits, including whiskies, grain neutral spirits, vodka base, shine, and gin.

Main Features

  • Hybrid Distillation Process: Briggs BrewStillery combines the best of both worlds with a fusion of Pot Still (Batch) and Column Distillation (Continuous) processes. This blend enables you to craft a diverse range of exceptional distilled spirits.
  • Tailored Product Creation: Depending on your desired spirit, beer flows into the pot still and then through the short or tall rectification column. Copper and stainless steel distillation system sections play a pivotal role in influencing flavour profiles and optimising heat transfer.
  • Precision Distillation: Through careful heating and boiling, beer undergoes distillation to enhance its alcohol concentration. The result is a refined, high-quality spirit ready for collection after condensation.
  • Crafting Artisanal Gin: Unleash your creativity by adding botanicals to the copper pot or infusion basket. Briggs BrewStillery empowers you to produce distinctive and artisanal gin with ease.

Experience the future of brewing and distillation with Briggs BrewStillery – where innovation meets tradition, and endless possibilities await.

New Product Development (NPD)

Our BrewStillery, often referred to as a ‘Distillery Kitchen,’ is our answer to New Product Development (NPD), allowing customers to craft new flavours and expressions.

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.

Brewstillery

Focus on: Spoetzl Brewery

Spoetzl Brewery, owned by the Gambrinus Group and located in Shiner, Texas, has elevated its craft with the adoption of a Briggs BrewStillery, enabling the production of a diverse range of spirits alongside its renowned beers.

Hard Seltzer

Hard Seltzer Systems: Brewing a path to diversity in the beverage sector

Navigating the Hard Seltzer Production Process

Crafting hard seltzer can be a complicated endeavour, depending on scale and the number of recipes. However, rest assured that Briggs of Burton, as the go-to engineering company for breweries entering the hard seltzer market, is here to provide expert support and guidance. Our expertise in project management, process engineering, and process know-how ensures a smooth and successful journey into this burgeoning market.

Brewing Diversity: The Rise of Hard Seltzer

Explore how Briggs of Burton, with their extensive expertise, can help breweries capitalise on the low calorie and refreshing appeal of hard seltzer, offering guidance in process integration of 3rd party packages.

From Wort to Can: Crafting Hard Seltzer Step by Step with Briggs of Burton

Follow the journey of hard seltzer production, starting with the fermentation of a sugar-based wort. Briggs of Burton plays a crucial role in making this journey possible through their assistance in consultancy, process engineering, commissioning, and automation experience.

Flavourful Fizz: Adding Zest to Hard Seltzer

Learn how Briggs of Burton’s support in process integration of 3rd party packages enables breweries to infuse natural fruit flavors, creating signature tastes from citrus to tropical notes.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring the Perfect Hard Seltzer

Delve into the stringent quality control measures that ensure a consistent and safe product, all backed by Briggs of Burton’s expertise in process engineering.

Brewing for the Future: Upgrading for Hard Seltzer Production with Briggs of Burton

Explore how Briggs of Burton facilitates the expansion and enhancement of breweries to accommodate hard seltzer production, offering their expert guidance through project management and control system upgrades.

Flexibility in Recipes: Adapting to Customer Needs

See how Briggs of Burton empowers breweries to support their customers with flexible processes, allowing for diverse recipe options with their unmatched process know-how.

Tank Solutions: Supplying Large Tanks via Ziemann Holvrieka

Understand how Ziemann Holvrieka, in collaboration with Briggs of Burton, provides breweries with the capability to supply large tanks, a critical component of hard seltzer production.

grapefruit cucumber mix in drink

Different manufacturers may have slight variations in their hard seltzer production processes. Additionally, some producers may use alternative methods, like adding alcohol to carbonated water or using fermentation of sugar to produce alcohol, as opposed to brewing a traditional wort.

  • Contact us today

    Learn more about our customised solutions and how we can help your business grow and thrive with our project delivery focus and bespoke process systems.