The United Kingdom has historically been a world leader in low-temperature physics and engineering. Consequently, the UK market for Liquid Nitrogen LN2 Dewar flasks is characterized by manufacturers who specialize in high-specification, bespoke, and advanced cryogenic solutions catering heavily to university research, high-tech industrial applications, and specialized medical fields.
This report highlights the ten leading UK-based manufacturers, examining their core focus, from large-scale transport to highly specialized laboratory instruments, showcasing the nation's technical excellence in vacuum science and thermal management.
List of the Top 10 Liquid Nitrogen Dewar Manufacturers in the UK
| Brand | Headquarters | Main Products & Services |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wessington Cryogenics Ltd. | Tyne & Wear, UK | High-End Research & Custom Transport, Bespoke Manufacturing, Large, custom transport tanks (ISO tanks). |
| 2. Statebourne Cryogenics Ltd. | Tyne & Wear, UK | Healthcare, Veterinary & Lab Use, Specialist in small to mid-size, low evaporation Dewars for IVF. |
| 3. Oxford Instruments plc | Abingdon, UK | Advanced Research Equipment, Integrated supplier of cryogenic systems (cryostats) and related Dewars. |
| 4. CRYO DIFFUSION (UK Operations) | Lévis, France / UK | High-Vacuum Industrial & Research, Servicing the UK market with high-performance industrial vessels and VIP. |
| 5. BOC Ltd. (Linde Group) | Guildford, UK | Industrial Gas Supply & Equipment, Integrated supplier of LN2 gas and high-quality storage vessels across the UK. |
| 6. SciQuip Ltd. | Oswestry, UK | General Laboratory Equipment, Distributing and supplying reliable, mid-range LN2 Dewars for general lab use. |
| 7. Tees Components Ltd. | Stockton-on-Tees, UK | Heavy Industrial & Custom Fabrication, Specialized fabrication of large, industrial cryogenic vessels and components. |
| 8. CryoService Ltd. | Worcester, UK | LN2 Supply & Small Vessel Leasing, Focus on gas supply and rental/maintenance of small Dewars and liquid cylinders. |
| 9. ICL (International Cryogenics Ltd.) | West Yorkshire, UK | Industrial & Laboratory Transfer Systems, Specializing in flexible and rigid transfer lines and associated Dewars. |
| 10. Cryogenic Ltd. | London, UK | Magnet Systems & Research Solutions, Manufacturing Dewars integrated with superconducting magnets and cryostats. |
1. Wessington Cryogenics Ltd.
Headquarters: Tyne & Wear, UK
Year Founded: 1984
Company Profile:
Wessington is renowned for its high-quality, bespoke manufacturing of cryogenic vessels, focusing particularly on large transport tanks (ISO containers) and specialized units for offshore, aerospace, and advanced research applications. They offer comprehensive repair services.
Main Products & Services:
- Custom-Built Cryogenic Transport and Storage Tanks
- Offshore Cryogenic Service Equipment
- Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Helium Research Vessels
- Bespoke Cryogenic Solutions
2. Statebourne Cryogenics Ltd.
Headquarters: Tyne & Wear, UK
Year Founded: 1742 (company history), Modern cryogenic focus since the 20th century
Company Profile:
Statebourne is a key UK manufacturer dedicated to producing a wide range of reliable, low-consumption LN2 storage vessels. They are highly specialized in the healthcare and veterinary sectors, producing specialized units for sample freezing and long-term storage (e.g., IVF).
Main Products & Services:
- Small LN2 Storage and Transport Dewars
- Specialized Vessels for IVF and Embryo Storage
- Liquid Nitrogen Dosing and Filling Equipment
- Cryogenic Canisters and Racking Systems
3. Oxford Instruments plc
Headquarters: Abingdon, UK
Year Founded: 1959
Company Profile:
A global leader in high-technology tools and systems for research and industry. While not solely a Dewar manufacturer, they produce high-specification Dewars integrated into their world-renowned cryostats, superconducting magnets, and ultra-low temperature systems, essential for physics and materials science research.
Main Products & Services:
- Cryogenic Systems for Research (Cryostats)
- Dewars Integrated with Superconducting Magnet Systems
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and MRI Components
- Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Systems
4. CRYO DIFFUSION (UK Operations)
Headquarters: Lévis, France (UK operations managed locally)
Year Founded: 1965 (Parent Company)
Company Profile:
While headquartered in France, CRYO DIFFUSION maintains a significant presence in the UK, supplying high-performance, vacuum-insulated equipment. They are a primary source for large-volume industrial tanks and complex vacuum-jacketed pipe (VIP) systems used in UK industrial gas distribution and scientific facilities.
Main Products & Services:
- Large Volume Cryogenic Storage Tanks
- Vacuum-Jacketed Transfer Lines and Pipes (VIP)
- Liquid Helium and Nitrogen Research Dewars
- Industrial Cryogenic Manifolds
5. BOC Ltd. (Part of Linde Group)
Headquarters: Guildford, UK
Year Founded: 1886
Company Profile:
BOC (a member of the Linde Group) is the UK's largest industrial and medical gas supplier. As an integrated provider, they offer a full range of high-quality Dewars, liquid cylinders, and specialized cryogenic freezers, ensuring seamless equipment supply alongside gas delivery for their vast customer base.
Main Products & Services:
- Integrated LN2 Storage Vessels (Supplied with Gas)
- Portable Liquid Cylinders (PLCs)
- Cryogenic Piping Installation and Services
- Cryogenic Freezers for Healthcare
6. SciQuip Ltd.
Headquarters: Oswestry, UK
Year Founded: 2004
Company Profile:
SciQuip is a major UK supplier of general laboratory equipment. They source and distribute reliable, mid-range LN2 Dewars and freezers that are essential for university teaching labs, standard research environments, and routine clinical operations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and durability.
Main Products & Services:
- General Purpose Laboratory LN2 Dewars
- Benchtop Cryogenic Storage Units
- Laboratory Shakers and Incubators
- Cryogenic Vial Racks and Accessories
7. Tees Components Ltd.
Headquarters: Stockton-on-Tees, UK
Year Founded: 1963
Company Profile:
Tees Components specializes in heavy engineering and custom fabrication, which includes manufacturing large, non-standard cryogenic vessels and pressure components. They cater to highly specific industrial, nuclear, and offshore projects requiring unique vessel geometry and high material specifications.
Main Products & Services:
- Custom-Fabricated Industrial Cryogenic Vessels
- Large-Scale Pressure Components
- Specialized Cryogenic Engineering and Machining Services
- Heavy-Duty Structural Fabrications
8. CryoService Ltd.
Headquarters: Worcester, UK
Year Founded: 1989
Company Profile:
CryoService primarily focuses on the logistics and supply of cryogenic liquids and the necessary associated equipment maintenance. They specialize in supplying liquid nitrogen and servicing/leasing small storage and transport Dewars, making them a crucial operational partner for clinical and laboratory end-users.
Main Products & Services:
- Liquid Nitrogen Supply and Delivery
- Leasing and Maintenance of Small LN2 Dewars
- Cryogenic Safety Equipment
- Specialized Gas Filling Services
9. ICL (International Cryogenics Ltd.)
Headquarters: West Yorkshire, UK
Year Founded: 1980
Company Profile:
ICL is a highly specialized UK company focused on the manufacture of advanced cryogenic transfer systems. They produce rigid and flexible vacuum-insulated lines, which are critical components needed to safely move LN2 from the main Dewar to the point of use (e.g., cryostat, equipment).
Main Products & Services:
- Vacuum-Insulated Rigid and Flexible Transfer Lines
- Cryogenic Withdrawal Devices
- LN2 and LHe Transfer Systems
- Custom Cryogenic Plumbing
10. Cryogenic Ltd.
Headquarters: London, UK
Year Founded: 1990
Company Profile:
Cryogenic Ltd. is a major research-focused manufacturer that designs and builds high-performance superconducting magnets and advanced laboratory systems. Their Dewars are proprietary, vacuum-insulated vessels built to house and maintain the operating environment for their complex magnetic systems.
Popular Products & Services:
- Superconducting Magnet Systems (Integrated with Dewars)
- Cryogen-Free Cryostats
- High-Field Electromagnets
- Custom Research Cryogenic Solutions
Conclusion
The UK's cryogenic market is marked by innovation, customization, and integration, linking specialized Dewar manufacturing directly to advanced scientific instrumentation. Manufacturers are crucial to supporting the nation's leading position in high-energy physics, materials science, and cutting-edge biotech research.
Whether your requirement is ultra-stable biological storage or custom-engineered vessels for advanced physics, selecting the right cryogenic partner is critical for safety and experimental success. Contact Banagee today to learn how our consulting services can guide your strategic procurement of specialized UK cryogenic equipment.
