Avecia’s Multiplex Biotech facility provides a service for International Biotech companies, supplying them with new products designed to their specifications.
Avecia’s Multiplex Biotech facility provides a service for International Biotech companies, supplying them with new products designed to their specifications.
The facility is capable of producing several products simultaneously and therefore the cross contamination controls and their monitoring are critical. The process comprises multiple fermentation, separation and purification with full product segregation. This makes quality control a high priority, particularly in order to conform to the FDA and MHRA regulatory authorities.
Coordination of the services, both process and building, were key to the success of the building. At an early stage in design, key service distribution zones were agreed by all disciplines to reduce the potential for clashes. 3D software was used to aid this process.
The laboratory is designed to be part of the manufacturing process with direct sampling links to production.The facility compromises: wet chemistry, analytical, microbiology and stability testing. Incorporated into the design brief was the creation of a transparent environment for staff, as well as customers, to see the QC process taking place. This was created by installing a fully glazed external wall, without glare on the north side of the production building. At night this provides a shop window to passing commuters. To offset the lack of direct sunlight warm colours are used throughout and can be seen through fully glazed partitions.
In addition, special attention was made to ensure that all service areas were accessible for routine maintenance and for the installation or removal of equipment, during the life of the building.
Location: Billingham, Teesside, UK
Client: Avecia Multiplex
Value: £30million
Dates: 2000-2003
Status: Completed