Biocent SA: a leader in wastewater solutions

What were the beginnings of your company, and what inspired you to start your business?

Biocent was founded in 2011 by Paweł Bury as a sole proprietorship, initially focusing on the sale and installation of small, residential sewage treatment plants. Thanks to the founder’s passion and determination, Biocent quickly began to grow, expanding its activities to larger and more advanced engineering projects in the water and sewage industry. Over the years, the company systematically built its position in the market, gaining the trust of customers and solidifying its brand as a provider of reliable and innovative solutions. A turning point in Biocent’s history came at the beginning of 2024, when the company transformed into a joint-stock company. This step was taken with a view to further dynamic growth and preparations for listing on the New Connect stock exchange. The planned share issuance aims to raise capital for funding technological innovations, expanding the production facility, and expanding operations into international markets, primarily European countries. Through this, Biocent intends to further strengthen its presence in the water engineering market and become a leader in delivering comprehensive solutions for the water and sewage sector.

Currently, Biocent’s offering includes a wide range of products and devices used in both commercial and industrial projects. These include fat separators, hydrocarbon separators that effectively cleanse sewage of petroleum-based substances and fats, as well as retention tanks that collect and manage rainwater. A key segment of the offering also includes sewage pumping stations used in sewage systems, as well as flow regulators, inspection covers, check valves, wall and channel valves, and stormwater sluices—devices dedicated to controlling water flow and protecting infrastructure from flooding.

With over a decade of experience, investments in research and development, and consistent implementation of its growth strategy, Biocent has become one of the key players in the water engineering industry in Poland. The planned stock market listing and expansion into new markets mark the next stage in this exciting journey, allowing the company to undertake even more ambitious projects.

What moment in the functioning of your company do you consider a milestone in its development?

A milestone in the development of Biocent was the strategic decision to shift from reselling residential sewage treatment plants to establishing our own production. This key move not only allowed us to have better control over the quality of the devices we offered but also enabled us to start developing a comprehensive product portfolio. As a result, we introduced our own pumping stations to the market and expanded our offerings to include solutions such as separators, flow regulators, check valves, inspection covers, and retention tanks.

Implementing this strategy required significant investments in expanding our production infrastructure. We invested in modern machinery and equipment that enable precise and efficient production of our solutions. A key element of this process was also increasing our workforce—we recruited skilled production workers and engineers whose expertise and experience are essential for designing modern, reliable devices. Today, our team consists of a group of experts who continually work on improving technologies and developing new products. The development of our machinery park remains one of the company’s top priorities. We regularly modernize our equipment and introduce new technologies that increase production capacity and efficiency. This allows us to take on larger and more complex projects, meeting the needs of our clients across various sectors. At the same time, we continue to expand our product portfolio to offer comprehensive solutions for the water and sewage industry. The decision to begin our own production proved to be the cornerstone of Biocent’s success. Today, we can proudly say that we are a fully self-sufficient company, capable of designing, manufacturing, and implementing solutions that meet the highest quality standards.

How many employees does your company have, and who are the key members of your team?

Biocent is a team of 50 highly qualified specialists who form the foundation of our success. Each of our employees brings unique skills and experience, enabling us not only to introduce innovative technological solutions but also to provide comprehensive support to clients in selecting the optimal water engineering solutions. Thanks to the dedication of our team, we are able to execute even the most demanding projects while ensuring the highest quality of our products and services. We are continuously growing, and in response to the increasing needs of the market, we are recruiting for new positions. Our goal is to enhance production efficiency and expand our team with additional talented individuals. We are currently seeking assemblers, electricians, welders, and maintenance technicians for water and sewage equipment to support our production and service teams in delivering ambitious projects. With a focus on young talent, we have also introduced an internship program aimed at students and graduates from environmental engineering faculties. We offer the opportunity to start a career as a junior sales engineer in our sales department. Internship participants have the chance to gain practical experience, learn about the specifics of working in a dynamically developing company, and develop their skills in sales and water engineering. We are convinced that the strength of our company lies in its people. We invest in the professional development of our employees, offering them stable employment conditions, modern technological facilities, and the opportunity to participate in interesting projects.

How would you describe the solution/product developed by your company in the simplest terms?

Biocent specializes in designing and manufacturing modern devices for pre-treatment and pumping of industrial wastewater and stormwater, which play a key role in large engineering projects. Our solutions are indispensable in projects such as highway construction, shopping malls, hospitals, port terminals, factories, and other facilities with high traffic volumes and specific technological requirements. Stormwater and industrial wastewater present significant challenges in construction and industrial processes, which is why we have developed devices that effectively and reliably handle their treatment and pumping. By utilizing modern technologies, our products not only ensure high efficiency but also minimize environmental impact, which is particularly important given the growing demands for sustainable development and environmental protection. Thanks to our solutions, construction projects become more efficient and safer. For example, during highway construction, our sewage pumping stations and stormwater drainage devices prevent water accumulation on the surface, ensuring proper capacity of the sewage systems. In large buildings, such as shopping malls or hospitals, our devices guarantee the effective treatment of industrial wastewater, which is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of the building. With years of experience and collaboration with leading construction and development companies, we, as a company that continually invests in technology development, are able to meet the most complex requirements, offering solutions that effectively support large-scale projects.

What part of the solution is developed in Lublin, and what factors influenced this decision?

Biocent has always been strongly connected to Lublin, which has been the foundation of our operations. Our story began with a small office on Bursaki Street, and later we moved to Do Dysa Street, eventually locating our office and production in Motycz, near Lublin. The company’s dynamic growth and the need to adapt our space to increasing production demands led us to our current location at Mełgiewska Street 59, on the border of Lublin and Świdnik. This is where the heart of our operations lies: our main headquarters and modern production facilities. Our mission has always been to develop technologies that support the water engineering industry. We believe that innovation is the key to success, which is why we invest in modern solutions that allow us to deliver products of the highest quality. We have our own Automation Department and Research & Development Department, which enables us to design and construct advanced control systems and electronics. This ability to create tailor-made solutions makes us flexible and capable of meeting the diverse needs of our clients. Our knowledge and experience stem from years of practice in the production, installation, and servicing of devices related to water engineering. This allows us to constantly develop and improve our products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The Biocent team is passionate and works daily to ensure that our devices are reliable and modern.

Our current location on Mełgiewska Street not only allows us to operate efficiently but also to continue expanding and collaborating with clients and business partners. We are proud to continue our mission, with Lublin— the city where our story began— as our headquarters and a source of inspiration.

What new projects/technologies do you plan to add to your company’s portfolio?

Thanks to years of experience in the industry and a dynamic R&D team, we constantly improve and develop our products. We believe that the key to success is not only innovation but also the ability to adapt to the dynamically changing expectations of our clients. For this reason, we adopt a flexible approach to project execution, allowing us to meet even the most demanding challenges. Our priority is quality. For years, we have focused on providing water engineering solutions that stand out for their durability, reliability, and modernity. This focus on high standards is our greatest strength and builds trust with our clients.

In 2024, we proudly introduced the innovative BUNDLIFT water and oil separator to the market, primarily used in TRAFO stations. This solution responds to the growing environmental protection needs and effective water resource management in the energy sector. We plan to maintain this pace and expand our portfolio next year with 3–4 new products. Each of these solutions will be designed to offer maximum support to our clients in their daily challenges, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and functionality. We are confident that through continuous development and close collaboration with our clients, we will continue to set trends in the industry and support sustainable development in water engineering.

What are the advantages of your solution compared to similar technologies available on the market?

The advantage of Biocent lies in its independence and self-sufficiency, which allows us to produce most of the components in-house. This gives us full control over the manufacturing process, from design to final product, resulting in the quality and reliability of the solutions we offer. At the same time, our company stands out for its innovative approach to technology, particularly in the area of sustainable development. An example of this is our groundbreaking technology for producing coalescing filters made from recycled PET material, used in separators for petroleum-based substances. We carry out this process in-house, from sourcing and processing the raw material to printing components on 3D printers. This technology was developed by our R&D department, which is constantly seeking new, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions.

Our innovative coalescing filters are reusable, which gives them a significant advantage over traditional sponge filters. Previous solutions required replacement after only a few months of use, generating additional costs and increasing waste. Our filters, which can be cleaned and reused, eliminate these issues while reducing the negative impact on the environment. By implementing such technologies, we not only meet the needs of our clients but also contribute to the protection of the natural environment. Our approach shows that innovation and sustainable development can go hand in hand, creating value for both business and future generations.

Have your solutions been recognized internationally? What awards has your company received?

Our company, Biocent, is only now making a strong entry into the international market, but from the very beginning, we have focused on the high quality of our products and an innovative approach to water engineering. Although our export activities are still in the development phase, we are proud to say that our solutions are gaining increasing recognition both in Poland and abroad. Our devices, such as separators for petroleum-based substances, sewage pumping stations, retention tanks, and flow regulators, meet the highest quality standards, which are appreciated by both domestic and international clients. We are continuously working to expand our international presence by participating in industry trade fairs and collaborating with foreign partners, which will certainly help build our reputation on the global stage. Although we have not yet received official awards at international competitions, our company is constantly working to ensure that our solutions are recognized on a broader scale. Completed projects abroad and the growing interest in our products are proof that our innovations in water engineering have the potential to earn recognition and awards on the international stage in the future.

Who is your target group, and what sales successes or investors have you gained?

Biocent serves clients in the civil engineering sector, collaborating with the largest construction companies and developers in Poland. Our experience and commitment have resulted in the completion of over 1,000 projects over the years. Each order is treated individually, providing solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of our partners. In 2024, we had the opportunity to complete a number of exceptional projects that showcase our knowledge, skills, and modern technologies. One of these was the installation of four advanced pumping stations in the newly built Central Museum Storage in Lesznowola. This unique task aimed to protect the building and its valuable exhibits from flooding or system failures. The pumping stations serve as a safety system that minimizes the risk of damage to the collections during crisis situations, thus safeguarding cultural heritage.

Another engineering challenge was the installation of a pumping station at the T3 Baltic Hub container terminal—one of the most modern terminals in Poland and Europe. This facility, equipped with over 20 automated cranes and 20 port cranes, required precise and reliable engineering solutions. Biocent designed and installed a pumping station based on a system of three 15 kW pumps, which together achieve an impressive output of 670 liters per second. This solution ensures efficient management of rainwater and operational water, which is crucial for the smooth operation of such a large and complex facility.

These projects are just examples of our work, but they clearly illustrate how advanced technologies, a personalized approach, and experience allow us to handle the most demanding investments. At Biocent, we not only respond to our clients’ needs but also help them face future challenges.

How is your cooperation with partners in Poland and abroad, and what is your presence in foreign markets?

Biocent has been successfully exporting its devices to European countries for years, building a reputation as a supplier of advanced water engineering solutions. We collaborate with large international partners from countries such as North Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, Germany, and Lithuania. Each of these markets presents us with unique challenges but also provides significant opportunities for growth and the development of long-term business relationships. Our international presence is steadily expanding, and the projects we complete continue to strengthen Biocent’s position as a company capable of meeting even the most demanding expectations. One of the recent examples of our foreign operations is the delivery of a petroleum-based substance separator to the newly built “Penta Park” shopping center in Prokuplje, Serbia. This project required the use of a high-performance and reliable device that would operate effectively in challenging conditions. Thanks to our experience and the high quality of our products, the project was completed smoothly, and the client received a solution tailored to their specific needs. Our activities in foreign markets not only involve the sale of equipment but also close cooperation with local partners, which allows us to better understand client needs and tailor our offerings to the specifics of each region. We focus on expanding our network of contacts and building relationships based on mutual trust and professionalism. We plan to continue expanding into European markets and strengthening our position in the markets we have already entered. Each completed project is a step toward realizing this goal, and our export experience provides a solid foundation for further development.

What actions can the city of Lublin and its institutional partners take to develop its potential as a center for high technology creation?

For years, the city of Lublin has been actively taking steps to develop local businesses, creating conditions that favor investments and economic cooperation. One of the key elements of these actions is the establishment of a special economic zone, which provides significant support for entrepreneurs. With numerous benefits, such as preferential tax conditions, access to infrastructure, and the opportunity for cooperation with other companies, this zone attracts both domestic and international investors, offering a chance for dynamic growth and strengthening Lublin’s position on the economic map of Poland. At the same time, the city of Lublin places great emphasis on the internationalization of local businesses. Participation in international trade fairs and economic missions organized by the city allows Lublin companies to establish connections with partners from all over the world, opening up new markets and growth opportunities. Such initiatives not only support exports but also promote Lublin as an attractive place to conduct global business. Another highly interesting direction for supporting business is cooperation with local universities. Lublin, as an academic city, offers a rich potential of young talents that can be leveraged by entrepreneurs. Through municipal programs that connect companies with students, businesses have the opportunity for direct contact with young, talented individuals, which aids recruitment and the development of teams at an early stage of their careers. These actions not only help companies acquire qualified employees but also support the professional development of students and graduates, allowing them to gain valuable experience. These three pillars—the special economic zone, internationalization, and university cooperation—constitute a coherent strategy that significantly enhances the potential of Lublin’s business sector. By creating favorable conditions for investors, supporting local companies in entering international markets, and developing talent among young people, Lublin is consistently building its position as a dynamic and innovative economic hub. This is the right direction for development that brings benefits to both entrepreneurs and the entire city community.