holiferm…A biotechnology company, partnered with CoNet to automate a new biosurfactant plant in Wallasey, UK. The Goal? To produce sophorolipids through a sustainable fermentation process.
Automation for a Greener Future…

What are Sophorolipids?
Sophorolipids are biosurfactants – natural compounds that reduce surface tension, much like soap.
They are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment than traditional chemical surfactants.
The holiferm plant is designed to produce up to 1600 tonnes per year of sophorolipids. It’s a showcase of sustainable manufacturing – powered by biotechnology and precision automation
How the Process Works
The production process automated by CoNet is divided into 4 main areas:
- Raw Material Storage
- Fermentation
- Washing & Purification
- Finishing & Conditioning
CoNet’s Role…
Engineering the Automation
As a Siemens Preferred Solutions Partner, CoNet delivered a fully integrated control system using:
- Siemens S7-1500 range PLCs for robust, scalable process control
- WinCC SCADA for real-time monitoring and visualization
- TIA Portal for seamless programming and system integration
CoNet’s expertise transformed holiferm’s vision into a high-performance, eco-conscious reality.
CoNet didn’t just automate a plant, they engineered a platform for sustainable innovation.


