AES History
At AES, we’ve been making waves in biotech for over a decade by blending innovation with expertise. From our early days, we’ve tackled significant projects and forged international partnerships with industry leaders. Our journey is marked by cutting-edge advancements that create efficiencies for our clients. We’re all about pushing boundaries, expanding rapidly, and staying true to our commitment to excellence. We might be the new kids on the block, but we know bioprocessing and are here to make a difference in the industry.
Our Story
Automated Engineering Services is Established
COMPANY MILESTONEPresident and CEO Leo Castenada founded AES in Oceanside, California. Initially, the company only offered biotech staffing services, with Leo himself handling all staffing projects. This marked the beginning of our remarkable journey.
Official Sales Representation for Mettler Toledo
PARTNERSHIP MILESTONESecured the exclusive role of official sales representative for Mettler Toledo in Southern California, USA expanding our portfolio with their renowned process analytics instrumentation.
First Major APW Project
PROJECT MILESTONECompleted our first Automated Project Wok Scope. Setting AES up for future automation & integration projects.
First Major OEM Project
PROJECT MILESTONEBuilt (80) 2L Bioreactors for a client in the Greater Los Angeles, California area.
K6 Initiative
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTCommitted to and participated in the K6 Initiative, which aimed to incorporate environmentally friendly components in building utilities. This pioneering effort in the biotech industry underscored our dedication to sustainability.
First BioRocker Produced
EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONWe successfully designed and produced a rocking bioreactor. Our design integrated pumps directly into the base unit, rather than a separate pump tower. This innovation gives clients more efficient and streamlined operations.
First 100 Employees
TEAM GROWTHExpanded our team to 100 active employees.
Exclusive Sales Partner for Microfluidics
PARTNERSHIP MILESTONEBecame the exclusive sales partner for Microfluidics in Southern California, enabling us to offer advanced process solutions and drive innovation for our biopharmaceutical clients in the area.
Switzerland Office Opened
GLOBAL EXPANSIONWe opened our first office outside the United States, expanding our global reach.
First Major Validation Project
PROJECT MILESTONECompleted our first Major Validation Project Work Scope. Setting AES up for future CQV projects.
First Partnership with Multinational CDMO
COMPANY MILESTONEWe formed a significant partnership with a multinational CDMO, which enhanced our global network and allowed for more collaborative opportunities.
Guatemala Office Opened
GLOBAL EXPANSIONExpanded our global presence into Guatemala.
Aftermarket Services Established
COMPANY MILESTONEWe established the Aftermarket Services Department to enhance customer support and service.
Multicontinental Expansion
GLOBAL EXPANSIONWe opened our first office in Asia with our India office and continued our expansion into Europe by opening our Ireland office.
First 2000L Fermenter Fabricated
MILESTONE PROJECTDesigned and fabricated our first 2000L fermenter, showcasing our engineering capabilities with large-scale equipment.
Launched Downstream Equipment Offerings
EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONWe introduced our standard Benchtop TFF and Chromatography Units, expanding our equipment offering to downstream processing. These units integrate bubble detectors to increase accuracy while minimizing product waste.
Fully Integrated a mAb Facility
MILESTONE PROJECTSuccessfully designed and integrated a mAb facility with critical utilities, bioprocessing, and single- & multi-use equipment.
First Collaboration with a Cell Based Meat Company
MILESTONE PROJECTSuccessfully partnered with a leading cell-based meat company to improve their automation systems. This partnership launched an ongoing relationship that is still active today.
North America Offices Opened
GLOBAL EXPANSIONWe continued to expand AES with two new offices in North America: one in Colorado, USA, and one in Canada.
200 AES Employees
TEAM GROWTHOur team grew to 200 employees, marking our continuous expansion as a company.
Singapore Office Opened
GLOBAL EXPANSIONExpanded our operations to Singapore, furthering our reach in Asia.
First European APW Project
GLOBAL EXPANSIONLaunched our first APW Project in Europe, setting the stage for continued regional growth and success.
Design, Build & Delivery of Critical Utilities for Cell/Gene Therapy Batch Facility
PROJECT MILESTONESuccessfully designed, built, and delivered essential utility systems for a state-of-the-art cell and gene therapy batch facility, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with stringent industry standards.
Further Expansion in Europe
GLOBAL EXPANSIONExpanded our operations in Europe by opening two new offices in Denmark and Germany, furthering our global reach.
Launched the Design of our Liquid Handling Unit
EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONIntroduced our Liquid Handling Unit to the equipment lineup. The LHU features an innovative stepper function pumps that offer accuracy to 1mL.
Launched Consumables
EQUIPMENT INNOVATION
UK Office Opened
GLOBAL EXPANSIONExpanded our operations to the UK, furthering our global reach.
300 AES Employees
TEAM GROWTHOur team grew to 300 employees, marking another year of significant growth at AES.
Our Vision for the Future
At AES, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of biotech innovation. As we expand our product lines and pioneer new technologies, we aim to enhance biopharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. We’re excited to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators committed to transforming the world through life-changing medicines. We want to join your journey to bring your groundbreaking discoveries to market.
Ready to Scale Your Bioprocess?
Contact us today to discover how AES can empower your goals and drive the future of biotech.