The Client

Illumina is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function. Illumina’s innovative sequencing and array technologies are fuelling ground-breaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics. Their customers include a broad range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other leading institutions around the globe.

The Project:

To relocate 450 specialised, highly sensitive and valuable instruments safely as well as quantities of sterile consumables from their existing location to a brand-new facility on the same site. A highly complex scientific instrumentation relocation where the focus was on quality, sensitive handling and reducing risk.

The Solution

Providing a dedicated project manager with extensive experience in laboratory relocations to manage and coordinate all aspects of the activities. This involved liaison and communication between Illumina technicians and all stakeholders to keep everyone abreast of the project’s progression and key milestones.

Although the relocation was conducted within the same site, a detailed and methodical approach to the project ensured that the customer received written detailed protocols for the handling, packing and movement of all instrumentation that dovetailed into the necessary GMP audit trails.

An important element of the relocation process which was carefully planned and incorporated was the equipment cleaning and labelling to identify each item as being ready and safe to move. Before packing could begin a comprehensive survey was undertaken which included full collaboration with technicians, all OEMs and service vendors.

Every piece of instrumentation was carefully scheduled for relocation in line with the agreed move management plan.

Instrumentation that required OEM standard crating was packed into bespoke wooden cases, built by the Harrow Green team offsite. The wood was branded with unique identification numbers as well as instrument serial numbers and asset references for quick and easy tracking.

After the instruments were packed inside the cases, thick protective foam struts were added to every corner of the crate to ensure the extremely sensitive equipment was padded and protected by anti-static cushioning. The cases were then sealed and fitted with shock stickers which indicate colour changes as the handling environment changes.

Once the specific moving protocols were signed off, Harrow Green logistic supervisors used them to brief the moving teams each day so they could carefully plan and complete the relocation to schedule. This approach also meant that last minute changes could be easily accommodated, which ensured a large degree of flexibility, essential for this type of project.

The Outcome:

The Illumina relocation was completed seamlessly with minimum downtime during a period of significant change and upheaval to the laboratory. The teams moved hundreds of high value pieces of equipment with extreme care and precision and completed the project on time and under budget.

Let me say a huge thank you to Harrow Green for taking the vast majority of the weight off our shoulders and managing the moves to a level of detail that left nothing un-addressed. This ensured that all went smoothly and that we have a happy band of customers who were able to get straight on with their work with the minimum of disruption this morning. I look forward to working together again over the coming months.”

Andrew Trist, Facilities Planner, Illumina