The new complex meets state-of-the-art requirements, combines all B. Braun’s Melsungen-based laboratory functions and also serves as a prestigious main entrance to both LIFE plants, including the auditorium and the conference area. The new central laboratory at the Pfieffewiesen plant is a key part of our current expansion activities. A total of €26 million is being invested in the complex. Of key importance is that it brings together all laboratories – research and development, microbiology and chemistry – that have to date been situated in three different locations in the city.
Dr. Arthur Strauß: “This will make our work simpler, faster and better. And not just because channels are shorter and samples no longer have to be transported between laboratories – there will also be a marked reduction in administrative work. This is where the new laboratory organization, overseen by Dr. Strauß, comes into play: “Our job is to centralize the organizational work. To date, each laboratory has itself been responsible for monitoring and distributing incoming goods, cleaning utensils, maintaining IT systems, etc. In future, we can manage all these things from a single source. This reduces the strain on the laboratories and allows them to concentrate better on their core work.”
Designed for our work
Dr. Strauß is currently putting together a team of logisticians, IT specialists and controllers for the task at hand. Business is to continue as usual during the move, which will begin at the end of August. Because of this, the moving process will be gradual, involving only small parts of the three laboratories at any one time. After being checked, the equipment is put into operation again immediately in the new location. For a certain period of time, there will even be four locations – a short phase of additional complexity that will pay off directly afterwards.
This is because, unlike the old locations, the new laboratory is purpose-designed. The eight modules measure 350 square meters each and are, as Dr. Strauß put it, “designed specifically for our work”. This includes ergonomic workspaces, a precisely coordinated layout of working areas and state-of-the-art equipment. One of the highlights is the transport system, which takes samples automatically by conveyor belt to the individual areas, where, for example, sterile tests are conducted in clean rooms, processes are controlled or materials tested.
Growing in unison
Short channels, optimized processes – it goes without saying that synergies play a central role in this new construction project. At the same time, capacities are being expanded, with the central laboratory also performing analyses for other B. Braun locations and testing products for the US market. Dr. Strauß: “Although the advantages of the complex allow us to absorb this extra work, our current team of 80 laboratory technicians will probably need to be increased after the start-up stage.”
Dr. Strauß is looking forward to working in the central laboratory, a positive outlook that is shared by his staff: “There was a certain degree of skepticism to begin with. But I believe that, once they have been shown what the new working facilities have to offer, they will be as enthusiastic as I am about their future working environment.”
