Automated Engineering Services

Solutions for Better Biotech

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

March 2014
March 2014

Automated Engineering Services is Established

President 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.

April 2014
April 2014

Official Sales Representation For Mettler Toledo

Secured the exclusive role of official sales representative for Mettler Toledo in Southern California, USA expanding our portfolio with their renowned process analytics instrumentation.

August 2014
August 2014

First Major APW Project

Completed our first Automated Project Wok Scope. Setting AES up for future automation & integration projects.

April 2015
April 2015

First Major OEM Project

Built (80) 2L Bioreactors for a client in the Greater Los Angeles, California area.

January 2017
January 2017

K6 Initiative

Committed 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.

January 2018
January 2018
Deluxe Rocking Bioreactor (10L, 20L, 50L)

First BioRocker Produced

We 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.

November 2018
November 2018

First 100 Employees

Expanded our team to 100 active employees.

 

June 2019
June 2019

Exclusive Sales Partner for Microfluidics

Became 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.

August 2019
August 2019
AES office located in Zofingen, Swsitzerland.

Switzerland Office Open

We opened our first office outside the United States, expanding our global reach. 

October 2019
October 2019

First Major Validation Project

Completed our first Major Validation Project Work Scope. Setting AES up for future CQV projects.

December 2019
December 2019

First Partnership with Multinational CDMO

We formed a significant partnership with a multinational CDMO, which enhanced our global network and allowed for more collaborative opportunities.

January 2020
January 2020

Guatemala Office Open

Expanded our global presence into Guatemala.

January 2020
January 2020

Aftermarket Services Established

We established the Aftermarket Services Department to enhance customer support and service.

 

June 2020
June 2020

Multicontinental Expansion

We opened our first office in Asia with our India office and continued our expansion into Europe by opening our Ireland office.  Department to enhance customer support and service.

 

December 2020
December 2020

First 2000L Fermenter Fabricated

Designed and fabricated our first 2000L fermenter, showcasing our engineering capabilities with large-scale equipment.

December 2020
December 2020

Launched Downstream Equipment Offerings

We 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.

 

January 2021
January 2021

Fully Integrated a mAb Facility

Successfully designed and integrated a mAb facility with critical utilities, bioprocessing, and single- & multi-use equipment.

 

January 2021
January 2021

First Collaboration with a Cell Based Meat Company

Successfully partnered with a leading cell-based meat company to improve their automation systems. This partnership launched an ongoing relationship that is still active today.

March 2021
March 2021

North America Offices Opened

We continued to expand AES with two new offices in North America: one in Colorado, USA, and one in Canada. automation systems. This partnership launched an ongoing relationship that is still active today.

 

October 2021
October 2021

200 AES Employees

Our team grew to 200 employees, marking our continuous expansion as a company. systems. This partnership launched an ongoing relationship that is still active today.

 

December 2021
December 2021

Singapore Office Opened

Expanded our operations to Singapore, furthering our reach in Asia. systems. This partnership launched an ongoing relationship that is still active today.

 

January 2022
January 2022

First European APW Project

Launched our first APW Project in Europe, setting the stage for continued regional growth and success.

May 2022
May 2022

Further Expansion in Europe

Expanded our operations in Europe by opening two new offices in Denmark and Germany, furthering our global reach.

December 2022
December 2022

Launched the Design of our Liquid Handling Unit

Introduced our Liquid Handling Unit to the equipment lineup. The LHU features an innovative stepper function pumps that offer accuracy to 1mL.

December 2022
December 2022

Launched Consumables

We introduced our first set of consumables alongside our Liquid Handling Unit. Since then, we have committed to designing consumables that meet the highest standards in the biopharma industry.

March 2023
March 2023

UK Office Opened

Expanded our operations to the UK, furthering our global reach.

 

June 2023
June 2023

300 AES Employees

Our team grew to 300 employees, marking another year of significant growth at AES.

February 2024
February 2024

Developed the Adaptive Perfusion SUB Control System

Developed the Adaptive Perfusion SUB Control System, a GMP-compliant solution enabling seamless integration of Single-Use Bioreactors and ATFs from any manufacturer.

August 2024
August 2024
Scientist wearing protective gear operates a rotary evaporator in a laboratory setting. The setup includes glass condensers, tubing, and a round-bottom flask, highlighting a professional lab environment focused on chemical or pharmaceutical processes.

Opened a State of The Art Training Lab

We opened our training lab in Oceanside, California. This facility empowers our engineers with hands-on experience to deliver even greater value to our clients while supporting the growth and development of future talent.

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.