Efficiency Expanded

Site expansion projects continue to advance across the business unit as the Operations team sets new technological opportunities in motion.

The Gaithersburg expansion project recently kicked off, with the team now wrapping up the schematic design phase. In addition to expanded lab and warehouse space, they envision an open and collaborative office space with mix of R&D and MFG personnel. Furniture sourcing is in process for Phase IIA and equipment planning for Phase IIB is in the works. 

The Gaithersburg Operations team is working on a custom project to develop a SARS-coated swab product using our AccuPlex™ technology. Feasibility testing is happening now with the hope that this develops into a long term relationship. This opportunity could result in over a million swabs per year.

In Maine, the expansion project is continuing to move forwards. Groundbreaking is on track to begin in September 2022. Upon completion, there will be 1600ft of walk-in freezer space, 650sqft of walk-in refrigerator space, dedicated dry goods/warehouse storage, expanded QC lab space with room for several new analyzers and equipment, and expanded manufacturing lab space. The entire first floor will be served by an emergency backup generator, and the manufacturing and QC area HVAC and plumbing will undergo major improvements. Overall, the expansion is expected to deliver numerous workflow and material flow efficiencies.

A site solar project is also underway in Maine. In line with LGC’s commitment to reach carbon net zero by 2050, the Cumberland Foreside site is making a significant investment in a ground based solar array that will generate enough energy to completely offset current usage and future proposed growth in Maine. A very positive meeting with the Cumberland town manager was recently held, and the project fits well with the town's sustainability plans. The project is approved internally to move forward in this fiscal year. The team is currently moving into the planning and permitting stages of the project.

At The Native Antigen Company, the big news is that the new facility is complete, with move-in scheduled for August 4^th.

The expansion plan at Technopath also continues to move forward. The land purchase has now been completed.

The site has seen a productive year so far, with 1.94 million vials filled since April and 2.5 million since January. Sysmex machines have been installed and two lean black belts have been completed while 10 green belt candidates continue to progress. Logistics and delivery performance are on track for Q1 and an AFM Risk audit was completed on site with an above average industry score of 64.

To continue supporting an effective workforce, TCD has hired a Learning and Development specialist and registered with local universities for co-op student hiring and early careers forum.

At API, integration operations continue. On the week of May 9, the Traverse City site celebrated an “Integration Extravaganza” with Group IT working both on-site and remotely to migrate almost 60 staff PCs to the LGC corporate network. To keep everyone in a good mood and thank them for their patience with the disruption, the site provided a different treat each day. These included Klondike bars, fancy popcorn, a yogurt buffet, and breakfast quiches. PC migration was the third big segment of IT integration work in Traverse City that the staff have been involved in. Printers are moving to the LGC network at the end of July, and the rest of the original network setup should be decommissioned by the end of the summer. It has been a long journey getting this site fully integrated, but the end is in sight!