Upstream bioprocessing manufacturing equipment

Accelerate regulatory compliance and elevate bioprocess performance with flexible and scalable fluid management solutions.
​
We are experienced problem solvers in fluid management and manufacturers of bioprocessing equipment. Our solutions optimise cell culture processes by tightly controlling critical process parameters and maximising cell viability—driving consistent performance across workflows.

Upstream bioprocessing

Increase viable cell density

biopharm wmfts cell culture

Our precision-engineered equipment ensures the best conditions for cell culture with consistently accurate feeding of media components including nutrients, amino acids, salts, vitamins and growth factors to ensure correct pH control.

Ensure critical cell growth parameters with digitally controllable cased and panel-mount peristaltic pumps that seamlessly integrate to support rapid configuration of various bioreactor formats. Optimise your process with WMArchitectTM single-use assemblies, custom-designed to meet your specific requirements. The open architecture model allows full flexibility and compatibility with existing fluid-contact materials used in your process.

View upstream products

Bioreactor manufacturer integrates Watson-Marlow equipment

Kuhner AG, bioreactor manufacturer for monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and vaccines, integrates Watson-Marlow cased pumps (PROFINET® connected) into its orbital shaken bioreactor. The Kuhner bioreactor cultivates cultivate human, mammalian (for antibodies, vaccines), stem cells (for processed meat), plant (for antibodies, food supplements), and insect cells in a single-use bag.

Full customer story

“The integration of Watson-Marlow pumps to the SB2500-Z bioreactor enhances the bioreactor’s performance, supports the automation and smart production systems, and ensures high-quality, scalable bioprocessing." ​

Kuhner, customer testimonial​

Scalable technologies


Our extensive product range and customisation capability ensures reliable results from R&D to commercial manufacturing with precise, scalable, linear flow management. Watson-Marlow Tubing is available with internal diameters from 0.5 mm up to 25.4 mm ensuring high accuracy control of small flow rates as well the ability to handle larger flow rates as your bioprocess scales.

Continuity in the technical operation across our extensive, scalable product range ensures streamlined procedures and training, validation assurance and lifecycle services that drive your efficiency.

View full upstream range

“The pumps have certainly improved our performance and allowed for further development of the company's manufacturing ability." 

Polpharma, customer testimonial​
Read more

Accelerate regulatory compliance


Our validation testing services team develops rigorous, industry-standard validation studies in collaboration with fully qualified partners. Together, we deliver customised regulatory and compliance solutions that help you meet quality assurance standards with confidence—accelerating time to approval and maximising operational efficiency.

View single-use solutions

“In terms of traceability, all of the documentation is provided with the validation pack from Watson-Marlow, which makes our job much simpler.”

Cancer research CDMO, customer testimonial​
Read more

Validation resources

  2. Compliance statements

    View documentation detailing compliance statements that apply to our fluid path products

  4. Validation testing

    Validation testing

    The WMArchitect single-use solutions range is fully supported by our experienced validation testing specialists.

    Single-use assemblies

Uninterrupted bioprocessing

Our global, sustainable manufacturing mitigates supply chain risk for uninterrupted bioprocessing.

 

How we support you

Overcome space constraints and changing workflows

biopharm wmfts bioprocessing

Laboratory-scale bioprocessing relies on a diverse range of equipment including bioreactors, filtration systems, chromatography units and incubators, all of which occupy valuable benchtop and floor space. Adapt to changing workflows and space constraints with flexible, digital control pumps and automation networks.

The ultra-compact, stackable 100 series pumps feature intuitive manual and automated control options, simplifying setup and operation. Their easily accessible pumpheads enable rapid tubing changeovers and support multiple feed streams for pH control, antifoam dosing, nutrient delivery, and buffer addition, enhancing efficiency and adaptability in dynamic lab environments.

View pump range

“With their compact size, Watson-Marlow OEM pumps are used where space saving is required, for ease of integration on skids, with multi-pumphead configuration also available.”

CPi Biotech
Read more

Chemical compatibility tool

Pump performance, including suction lift, pressure, life, flow rate and efficiency are largely determined by tubing choice. As engineers and manufacturers of peristaltic pumps, tubing, assemblies, components and hose, our single-use solutions follow an open-architecture approach whilst ensuring optimum pump performance when used in collaboration. Tubing is available in a suite of different materials and different sizes, from 0.13mm to 40mm. ​
​
Our tubing’s wall thickness is engineered to reduce spallation and minimise contamination risk in your process. Use the chemical compatibility tool to match tubing to the demands of your process for optimum pump performance.

Open compatibility tool

Frequently asked questions

How does Watson-Marlow support scale-up from lab to production?

We offer a unified pump platform with flow ranges from 0.0001 mL/min to 3300 L/hr and a 875,000:1 flow control range, with flow proportional to pump speed; ensuring consistent performance across scales. Tubing and control systems are common from bench to GMP, simplifying validation and tech transfer.

What makes your single-use systems flexible for CDMO operations?

Our modular single-use assemblies and compact pump designs enable rapid changeovers between campaigns. Pre-validated kits and plug-and-play configurations minimise downtime and contamination risk.

Can your equipment integrate with our automation infrastructure?

Yes. Watson-Marlow pumps support industrial protocols including RS485, PROFIBUS®, PROFINET® and EtherNet/IP. This allows seamless integration into supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and digital control systems.

Do you support perfusion and process intensification?

Absolutely. Our low-sheer, long-life pumps are ideal for perfusion cultures. We offer precise feed control and compatibility with cell retention devices used to maintain high cell density and viability.

What validation support do you provide?

All single-use components come with USP Class VI certification, Certificates of Conformity (CoC), and full extractables data. We also supply IQ/OQ protocols and calibration records for our pumps to support GMP audits and regulatory submissions. PTFE-lined hoses are also supported with validation packages.

Can you customise solutions for unique upstream needs?

Yes. We collaborate directly with customers to tailor pumphead configurations, tubing assemblies, PTFE hose assemblies, and control setups. Our customer engineering team provides bespoke pump solutions for complex or niche applications.

Can you offer specialist validation support designed to simplify GMP compliance and regulatory submissions for upstream bioprocessing customers?

Yes, here are the key elements:

Comprehensive documentation packages

  • USP Class VI certification
  • Validation summary guides and full validation guides on request
  • Certificates of Conformity (CoC)
  • Full extractables data
  • Biocompatibility testing (in vivo and in vitro)
  • European Pharmacopoeia compliance

Validation test services

  • Custom validation protocols for tubing, pumpheads, and assemblies
  • Support for IQ/OQ documentation
  • Compatibility testing with customer-specific media and cleaning agents

Material traceability

  • Lot-level traceability for all fluid-contact components
  • Consistent contact materials across product ranges to minimise re-validation

Sterility assurance

  • Gamma irradiation and autoclave compatibility testing
  • In our ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanrooms we manufacture to ISO 9001:2008 standards, following cGMP guidelines
  • WMArchitect assemblies can be supplied gamma irradiated, all lot traceable and available with an ISO 11137 sterility assurance claim

Automation and integration validation

  • Control system compatibility (e.g. PROFINET, EtherNet/IP)
  • Validation of digital communication protocols for SCADA/MES integration

Regulatory support

  • Audit-ready documentation for CDMOs and end users
  • Assistance with tech transfer packages and CMC filings

Does Watson-Marlow offer modular solutions for future expansion?

Yes, Watson-Marlow offers modular solutions that support future expansion in upstream bioprocessing environments.

  • Scalable pump platforms

    Watson-Marlow’s pump series (e.g. 120, 530, 630, 730) share a common control architecture and tubing compatibility, allowing easy upgrades or additions without revalidation.
  • Single-use assemblies

    Modular tubing sets, manifolds, and connector kits allow rapid reconfiguration for new campaigns or expanded capacity—ideal for CDMOs managing diverse customer needs.
  • Automation integration

    All systems support digital protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, RS485), making it easy to add new units to existing SCADA/MES infrastructure.
  • Facility flexibility

    Watson-Marlow’s compact equipment can be deployed in flexible manufacturing suites, supporting scale-out strategies and future tech upgrades.

Are Watson-Marlow components traceable and certified to relevant standards?

Yes, Watson-Marlow components are traceable and certified to relevant industry standards.

  • USP Class VI compliance

    All fluid-contact materials (e.g., tubing, pumpheads, single-use assemblies) meet USP Class VI standards for biocompatibility.
  • Certificates of Conformity (CoC)

    Each product batch is supplied with CoC documentation, ensuring traceability and compliance with manufacturing specifications.
  • Full validation packages

    Includes extractables data, in vivo/in vitro biocompatibility testing, and European Pharmacopoeia compliance.
  • Lot-level traceability

    Watson-Marlow maintains detailed lot tracking for all single-use components and our PTFE-lined hose portfolio, enabling full traceability from raw material to finished product.
  • Sterility assurance

    Single-use products are compatible with gamma irradiation and autoclave sterilisation, manufactured in ISO Class 7 cleanrooms and also available with an ISO 11137 sterility assurance claim.

These certifications and traceability measures support GMP compliance and simplify regulatory audits for customers.

Can you provide single-use assemblies with a sterile claim?

Yes, WMArchitect™ assemblies from Watson-Marlow can be provided with a sterile claim.

They are manufactured, pre-assembled, and packaged in ISO Class 7 cleanrooms, and are compatible with gamma irradiation and autoclave sterilisation. When requested, they can be supplied with full sterility documentation, including:

  • Sterility assurance level (SAL) certification
  • Irradiation validation records
  • Certificates of Conformity (CoC)
  • Lot-level traceability and material compliance (e.g., USP Class VI)
  • Available with an ISO 11137 sterility assurance claim

This sterile claim supports GMP manufacturing and simplifies validation for upstream bioprocessing applications.

Does Watson-Marlow offer solutions to reduce energy, water, or plastic usage?

Yes, Watson-Marlow offers several solutions aimed at reducing energy, water, and plastic usage in upstream bioprocessing and fluid management operations.

Energy efficiency

  • Watson-Marlow pumps are designed for low power consumption and high mechanical efficiency.
  • Digital control systems enable precise dosing, reducing overuse and unnecessary energy draw.

Water conservation

  • Single-use systems eliminate the need for clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) cycles, significantly reducing water usage.
  • Modular assemblies reduce rinse volumes and cleaning validation requirements.

Process optimisation

  • Automation and real-time monitoring reduce batch failures and reprocessing, indirectly lowering resource consumption.
  • Compact pump designs reduce facility footprint and associated utility loads.

What kind of technical support and training do you offer to support network pump installation?

Watson-Marlow provides comprehensive technical support and training resources to ensure successful pump installations including modern network-enabled pumps (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, etc.). This support ranges from detailed installation guides and online resources to on-site engineering assistance, remote troubleshooting, and training for customers’ technicians.

Is your equipment the same when provided to different regions?

Yes, our equipment is designed to meet consistent performance and quality standards globally, but there may be regional variations based on:

Regulatory requirements: Some regions have specific compliance standards (e.g. FDA, EMA, CFDA) that may influence documentation, validation, or component selection.

Customer preferences: Local market needs or end-user specifications may lead to tailored configurations or packaging.

Language and documentation: Manuals, labels, and support materials are localised to meet regional language and regulatory expectations.

The core technology and functionality remain consistent, but WMFTS works closely with customers and regional teams to ensure equipment aligns with local expectations and operational environments.

Upstream product portfolio​

Further reading