5 Trends for Lab & Advanced Manufacturing Workspaces in 2025
A growing proportion of Rhino’s cutting mats and heavy duty workbenches are sold for use in laboratories and advanced manufacturing, so the start of the new year seems a good moment to review the marketplace trends. To keep you up to date in the shortest possible time, here’s our selection of the 5 most significant developments and predictions.
1. Growing Demand for Lab Space
The UK is experiencing a rapid surge in biotech, health technology and pharmaceutical start-ups, with many of these innovative businesses seeking high-quality laboratory space. According to Knight Frank, current availability in London is projected to meet less than a quarter of the demand, making lab space a premium commodity.
This demand is reshaping urban landscapes, with commentators pointing to innovative projects like the repurposing of Oxford’s former Debenhams store into a hub for life sciences, technology and innovation. Charlie Mitchell of Scale Space notes that “we have high streets which aren’t going to be shops anymore,” envisioning these spaces as potential homes for everything from light lab workshops for tech start-ups to high-spec labs for established firms.
2. Greater Design Flexibility to Encourage Collaboration
Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to driving innovation and workspace design is adapting to support this. According to Make Exchange,the future lies in creating workshop-style spaces that foster teamwork and adaptability.
Hanson Lab Solutions anticipate that flexibility will become fundamental to lab design in 2025. Modular layouts, reconfigurable workstations and adaptable furniture will allow labs to pivot quickly to accommodate new projects and technologies. Modular walls, movable desks and flexible equipment will make it easier to respond to evolving business needs, ensuring that spaces remain productive and efficient.
3. Integration of Advanced Technology
Advanced technologies are transforming labs and manufacturing facilities, enhancing both productivity and adaptability. Robotics and 3D printing are at the forefront of this change, enabling faster, more cost-effective production and greater precision.
AEON Global Health emphasizes the growing role of AI, predicting its widespread use in data analysis to uncover actionable insights more quickly. To support this, Hanson suggest that laboratories will increasingly incorporate dedicated spaces for data analysis. Meanwhile, OCS highlight the potential of workplace data to reduce energy costs and support corporate decarbonization efforts—key considerations for businesses striving to balance productivity with sustainability.
4. Safety & Wellbeing as a Design Focus
Safety and operator wellbeing remain critical priorities for advanced manufacturing businesses. Hand injuries, which account for significant time off work and substantial costs to businesses, are a particular area of focus. According to Arco, there are 122,000 self-reported cases of lacerations annually in Great Britain, contributing to more than 247,000 days of absence.
In response, labs and manufacturing spaces in 2025 are expected to prioritize ergonomically designed workstations, natural lighting and relaxation areas to enhance employee wellbeing. OCS add that demonstrating social value is becoming increasingly important during tender negotiations, highlighting the importance of integrating safety and wellbeing into operational strategies.
5. Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be a driving force in workspace design and operation. AEON emphasize the growing demand for energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, water conservation, recycling and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
By implementing renewable energy solutions and minimizing waste, advanced manufacturing businesses can align their operations with broader environmental goals while reducing costs.
Rhino Innovation Products
Rhino Workplace Innovation’s range of workbenches and cutting mats can contribute to your drive for smarter, safer workplaces. Let’s see how we might help you in 2025.
