October 2002

A REFRESHING PLACE TO WORK

Swapping buildings may be an unusual step for businesses ... but that's just what bioMerieux did to cope with their requirement for space and the need to bring their satellite manufacturing operations together. The Basingstoke-based company had been looking for new premises and found the ideal solution when another local business wanted to move to smaller premises. A direct swap was agreed but bioMerieux needed to make extensive changes to accommodate their needs.

Jim Fitzgerald (left) of bioMerieux, who oversaw the project, pictured with Spaceway's Malcolm Plum.

So the biomedical company called in Romsey based Spaceway to advise them on the design and layout of the factory and offices, in order to take best advantage of the available space.

Working to an agreed programme and budget, Spaceway installed a mezzanine floor covering almost 1000 sq m and designed to carry a load of 7.5 tonnes per square metre. The mezzanine was of a 'slim line' construction enabling maximum headroom on the new floor to be obtained, whilst maintaining the headroom necessary below the floor to accommodate the two large cold stores that were needed to store bioMerieux's sensitive stock.

To meet the customer's requirements and to fulfil all necessary building regulation approvals, Spaceway installed two laboratory areas, fully fitted Compact Laminate Phenolic Resin Laboratory equipment to class 2 standards and air conditioning systems to offer controlled heating and cooling facilities.

To accommodate staff needs, offices, meeting rooms, tea and coffee making areas were created using a variety of partitioning systems, dependent on the needs of the user.

"From the very first meeting, it was clear that it would be essential to utilise the space effectively. Spaceway's planning and experience has enabled the installation to be carried out, with the finished result being the creation of an ideal interior, making the new environment a refreshing place to work," said Stephen Jacques, Managing Director.

Founded in 1963, bioMerieux designs, develops, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for both hospitals and industry in the areas of disease detection, monitoring and treatment.

www.spaceway.co.uk

Ends

Media enquiries to:
Philip Colley
Harvest
Tel: 023 9244 9655

Note to Editors:

Spaceway is one of the leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations.

The company recognises that the effective and efficient use of space is a critical success factor for businesses, contributing directly not only to competitiveness but also to the morale and motivation of a workforce.

Through the company's unique partnering approach, Spaceway aims to co-develop, design and implement the most innovative yet cost effective solution for each project regardless of its size. Whether it's a total redesign, or a need to increase the amount of usable space in a particular area, Spaceway has the experience and expertise to ensure the promised design concept is translated into reality - on time, to budget and with minimal disruption to business operations.