Cherwell Laboratories, a UK specialist in environmental monitoring and the validation of sterilisation processes for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, has completed the first phase of its cleanroom expansion. The firm says the move will support growing demand for its Redipor prepared media, while maintaining the stringent quality requirements for its preparation.
The completed cleanroom will double the existing space from 440m2 to more than 940m2 and allows further improvements in product quality, as well as the automation of processes. Phase I covers 270m2 with a new inspection and packaging room, plus associated support rooms, including new gowning and office space. All Redipor prepared media products continue to undergo 100% inspection so that they can be used within critical areas.
The new inspection and packaging room contains new flow wrap machinery and offers increased space to allow Cherwell to continue to provide bespoke solutions to customers. A new automatic labelling system also reduces handling and increases reliability.
Phase II of the expansion is scheduled for 2013 and during this phase of growth Cherwell plans to increase production volumes to more than 6.5 million agar plates each year for the UK and export markets. It is estimated that 10–15 new people will join the company.
Andy Whittard, managing director of Cherwell Laboratories, said: ‘The first phase of our cleanroom expansion has been a tremendous success, which would not have been possible without the effort and dedication of the whole Cherwell team especially over the past six months. The changes we have made reflect our commitment to providing customers with the highest standards of product quality.’
