Created with Sketch.
The Austin Company
  • Contact Us
  • Español
  • Why Austin
    • Leadership Team
    • Austin Past and Present
    • Safety
    • Results, Not Excuses
    • Project Gallery
  • Markets
    • Aviation, Aerospace and Defense
    • Food and Beverage
    • Pharmaceutical and Biotech
    • Automotive
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Process Industries
    • Utility Plant Support
    • Commercial
  • Services
    • Design and Engineering
    • Construction
    • Facility Maintenance
    • Location Consulting
    • Planning
    • Development and Financing
  • Subcontractors
  • Careers
  • News & Blog
  • Why Austin
    • Leadership
    • Austin Past and Present
    • Safety
    • Results, Not Excuses
    • Project Gallery
  • Markets
    • Aviation, Aerospace and Defense
    • Food and Beverage
    • Pharmaceutical and Biotech
    • Automotive
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Process Industries
    • Utility Plant Support
    • Commercial
  • Services
    • Design and Engineering
    • Construction
    • Facility Maintenance
    • Location Consulting
    • Planning
    • Development and Financing
  • Subcontractors
  • Careers
  • News & Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Español

BSL-3 Laboratory Renovation

Pfizer, Inc.

The Austin Company completed an important renovation project for Pfizer in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The project included updating a vacated laboratory to current Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Criteria of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Project Stats

Services Provided:

Location

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Headshot of Charles (Chas) Hammond, Director of Project Planning

Charles (Chas) Hammond, PE

Director of Project Planning

  • 269.760.1219
  • charles.hammond@theaustin.com
  • View Profile

The Austin Company completed an important renovation project for Pfizer in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Pfizer required specialized laboratory space to perform drug research relating to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The project included updating a vacated laboratory to current Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Criteria of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Austin Company provided planning, architecture, engineering and construction services.

Due to the nature of the research to be performed in the laboratory suite, the importance of maintaining viral isolation was paramount. Environmental, health and safety considerations of laboratory users and protection of surrounding areas were critical. Engineering to maintain constant-volume airflow via airlocks and airflow redundancy, a HEPA filter system and emergency containment areas were incorporated into the plan. After reviewing current SOPs and determining they were acceptable, it was agreed to keep the high level containment at the source for this isolated suite of rooms. The HEPA bank is located at the suite. Adjacent rooms were redesigned as maintenance rooms, allowing Pfizer personnel to service most equipment, such as the autoclave, building controls, and air-handling equipment, without entering the laboratory containment area.

In addition to comprehensive systems engineering, significant consideration was given during design to provide durable and cleanable surfaces in all areas. Stainless steel and epoxy finishes were incorporated into the design criteria. All electrical devices were designed to be waterproof to allow for wash-down.

After delivering design and engineering services, The Austin Company managed the construction of the project. Austin managed an orderly demolition and construction process to minimize disruption to adjacent laboratories. Sealed dust barriers, carefully scheduled HVAC shutdowns and systematic utility coordination were vital components of this successful project. Interactive pre-construction planning and regular meetings during construction included the end-user and facility maintenance personnel. Proactive communication kept the project team informed and allowed assurance that ongoing research programs were not disturbed.

 

Confidential Biotechnology Company

Preliminary Design of Algal Nutritional Oils Manufacturing PlantA biotechnology company that is focused on producing algal oils and high protein additives for the supplement, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, pet food and animal feed markets, was in need of a preliminary plant design. The company wanted the ability to raise capital to introduce its products into the marketplace and create revenue streams.View Details
  • Interior view of the Martek Biosciences facility

    ​Martek Biosciences/Royal DSM

    Omega-3 Oil Production FacilityThe Austin Company provided engineering, design and construction management for Martek Biosciences (now part of Royal DSM). Martek produces and packages Omega-3 oils extracted through a fermentation process that utilizes algae as a feedstockView Details
  • Exterior view of controlled-conditions facility with brick façade

    ​Confidential Global Pharmaceutical Company

    Controlled Conditions Pharmaceutical Storage & Logistics CenterThis new facility includes Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) and refrigerated storage space for the client’s lifesaving medicines and allows for 10,000 pallet locations.View Details
  • More Case Studies
Austin®
Privacy Policy Employee Resources
  • Connect with The Austin Company on LinkedIn
  • Follow The Austin Company on Facebook
  • Follow The Austin Company on Twitter
  • Follow The Austin Company on Instagram
  • Subscribe to The Austin Company's YouTube Channel
The Austin Company website employs cookies to improve your user experience. If you continue to use this website, you will be providing your consent to our use of cookies.I Accept