Laboratory autoclave manufacturer Priorclave was founded by Charles Prior, with a staff of six, in February 1988, in a modest factory on the former Royal Arsenal site in Thamesmead, London
The company initially manufactured laboratory autoclaves, climatic test chambers and go-kart engines, one of which, the Hornet, gave rise to its distinctive logo.
However, while maintaining a small turnover in bespoke climatic chambers, the design and manufacture of laboratory steam autoclaves quickly developed as the core business.
Priorclave's first two autoclaves were exported to Ireland, establishing the importance of international trade.
A network of overseas distributors and an impressive blue chip client list at home and abroad secured the future.
Now with a complement of 35 personnel collectively responsible for developing worldwide markets in virtually every continent and major trading centre, Priorclave has grown to be regarded as a leader in the field.
Laboratory autoclaves are generally used for quality control and general laboratory work in universities, life science departments such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology etc, the food and pharmaceutical industries and hospitals.
All steam sterilising applications can be covered but use is more commonly applied for media preparation and laboratory waste sterilisation.
The early product portfolio was a small range of innovative, 100l and 150l capacity, top and front loading autoclaves, with copper pressure vessels.
These were ideally suited to food manufacturers who found themselves increasing their microbiological testing in response to the many food scares of the time.
The range gradually expanded with a bench top model, then larger rectangular models, steam jacketed models, autoclaves with power doors and most recently a large capacity front loader.
Innovation has been key in Priorclave's development.
Early top loaders were designed with very low loading heights for operator comfort.
Priorclave subsequently led the way in the UK with features such as thermal locks and microprocessor control on all models and media warming cycles.
The adoption of BioCote patented powder coating technology, proven to reduce bacteria by up to 95.8%, reducing cross contamination risks, makes Priorclave autoclaves the only autoclaves with a proven ability to destroy bacteria inside and outside.
Priorclave also innovates in manufacturing, maintaining modern CNC manufacturing machinery.
In 1996 its policy of retaining flexibility and control of quality by manufacturing as much as possible in-house led to investment in a purpose built semi-automatic welding machine producing their own stainless steel pressure vessels.
In a world of increased regulation and certification Priorclave says it has kept up with the times.
BS9001 certification was achieved in1995 and maintained as this progressed to BS EN ISO 9001:2000.
To support its growing servicing, testing and calibration operations, in 1998 Priorclave was accredited by Ukas as a calibration laboratory.
Priorclave's pressure vessel designs have always been independently checked and approved by external insurance assessors, a process formalised in 2004 by certification under the European Pressure Equipment Directive.
By 1995 continued growth necessitated the acquisition of an adjacent factory, doubling the size of the facility, further expanded to over 2500m2 in 2000 by roofing over the space between the two buildings.
The passing years have seen significant growth in Priorclave's service department.
Beside breakdown repairs, UK customers now enjoy tailored maintenance contracts and calibration and performance testing from a dedicated team of strategically located, fully trained service technicians.
To keep existing and prospective customers fully informed of product developments, availability, advice, service and technical overviews, Priorclave's website is continually maintained and updated.
