compiled by Carrie Meadows

MicroWorks expands lab and manufacturing facility

MicroWorks Inc., a microbiology consulting and training firm, plans to expand its laboratory, manufacturing, and distribution center in Crown Point, IN, creating up to 19 new jobs by 2011. The firm, which provides its training and consulting services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers across the country, will invest $1.6 million to purchase an existing 10,000-sq.-ft. facility to house its expanded operations. The expansion comes less than three months after the company launched its MicroWorks swab sampling system, which replaces traditional swab methods and contact plates typically used in recovering microorganisms from environmentally controlled cleanrooms.

M+W Zander lands nano center design gig

M+W Zander, an architecture, engineering, and construction management firm for high-tech facilities, has been selected by the international Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) to design its new nanotechnology center in Braga, Portugal. Located on the campus of the University of Minho in Braga, the 230,000-sq.-ft. project will feature Class 100 and Class 1000 cleanrooms; central characterization, including electron and scanning-probe microscopy; and labs suited for a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Microtest Labs doubles microbial ID and analytical services

Agawam, MA-based Microtest Laboratories has doubled its microbial identification and analytical services with the purchase of an additional MicroSeq® microbial identification system from Applera Corp. The MicroSeq is a state-of-the-art DNA sequence-based system that enables Microtest technicians to more quickly and accurately identify bacteria isolates that are not viable or easily identified. Using the MicroSeq system, Microtest technicians can provide precise and reliable bacteria, mycoplasma, and mold identification in a 24-hour time period. The MicroSeq system is 99 percent reliable with repeatable results and is especially beneficial for companies with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing applications.

HDR, CUH2A to form comprehensive science and tech design firm

HDR Architecture and CUH2A, a science and technology design firm, have announced their intent to merge to create a “comprehensive S+T design firm.” The merged company will assemble design expertise across the life sciences research, physical sciences research, and health care fields. As a result of the merger, HDR and CUH2A will be able to create sustainable facilities in the Northeastern and Southeastern U.S., as well as the Middle East and “other critical global locations,” according to HDR’s Merle Bachman. Executives from HDR and CUH2A will form an integrated management team for the combined science and technology unit, which will be led by CUH2A’s Scott Butler.