Suffolk, IP31 2AR
Commercial Laboratory Refurbishment
Founded by Scottish veterinarian Les Porter, Animax Limited is leading animal health company specialising in the research, development and manufacture of nutritional boluses, sheep dips and disinfectants.
As part of a re-development programme resulting from the company’s expansion, Animax was looking to upgrade its research and production facilities with a larger suite of 3 commercial labs to provide a state-of-the-art environment for the manufacture of veterinary medicines.
"Staff have compared our new labs to the Tardis because of the amount of space we now have."
The Brief
Fitted with wooden engineering benches which had originally been part of the facilities at Rolls Royce, Animax’s existing lab space was cramped and outdated. In addition to completely refurbishing the room to optimise space, the company wanted to transform a section of warehousing into a multipurpose laboratory for R&D, housing both instruments and equipment.
With the existing laboratory needing to remain operational while work was carried out, Animax required a rolling programme to allow the scientists to continue their work with minimal disruption.
"Innova’s service was faultless. Their project manager was always available to address and resolve any issues immediately."
The Solution
Innova worked closely with the Animax team to deliver a full turnkey solution including design, manufacture and install of furniture as well as M&E, utilities, flooring and decoration. Dividing the space into 3 separate rooms, Innova created a quality control laboratory with wet prep area, an equipment room where apparatus could be kept in isolation plus a small research and design laboratory was installed. This now enables R&D scientists to work separately from their quality control colleagues, in line with industry regulations.
As the laboratory needed to operate whilst the refurbishment took place, Innova prepared a full 3 week programme of works detailing their anticipated schedule and timings for access to other trades.
In order to offer optimum space for sample management and write ups, as well as review and approval areas, Innova designed the QC lab with reagent shelving to provide additional storage for equipment.
"The environment Innova have created for us has made a remarkable difference: our team have more room to complete their work and can do so much more efficiently."
To maximise desk space, trunking was fitted below the shelving to house the electric sockets. With generous storage facilities and specialist bespoke units to accommodate large drums, Animax can now ensure worktops remain clutter-free and improve circulation flow around the laboratory.
The R&D and Instruments and Equipment laboratory has been designed to support test activities, with perimeter benching and storage to house apparatus. New fume cupboards were fitted and Innova project managed the removal of internal gas cylinders, re-siting them on the exterior of the building for space and safety purposes.
Trepsa Toplab Plus was selected for the worktops to ensure the surfaces have antibacterial and chemical resistance to a wide variety of aggressive chemicals.
With storage units manufactured from quality, durable MF MDF – the laboratories have been built to last, ensuring Animax can continue to lead the way in veterinary medicine.
Contact
Are you looking to transform your laboratory? Contact us on 0161 477 5300 or complete the form below:
