Project LiFE – Liquid Filling and Expansion
Confidential Client | Hillsboro, OR
Project Overview
A California-based biotech company expanded their Hillsboro, Oregon facility with a $125 million investment, enabling them to add a third production line within their existing 340,000 sq ft manufacturing plant. The expansion involved supporting increased manufacturing capacity for packaging bulk drugs into doses and vials for global distribution.
Harris Group provided comprehensive MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design to meet rigorous client, FDA, and European cGMP standards, focusing on supporting clean utilities and operational safety throughout the facility renovation.
Highlights
The project required meticulous coordination of multiple design phases, aligned with critical plant shutdowns for support and component prep areas, as well as the new filling suite. Over 70 experts from Harris Group’s Portland office, with support from teams across Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, and Charleston, contributed to a seamless design-to-construction process.
Equipment modifications included demolishing and relocating existing heat exchangers, ultrasonic sinks, and wall partitions, alongside upgrades to component prep layouts. A new formulation suite was created by converting shell space, installing two 2000L tanks and WFI heat exchangers, along with new washers, filter stations, HVAC units, autoclaves, and stopper systems.
Utility systems were also expanded, including piping for refrigerated water, larger glycol pumps, and increased heat exchanger capacity. Additional improvements involved replacing PWW pumps, installing a new PWW equalization tank, and boosting wastewater system performance.
Outcomes
The successful integration of these design solutions allowed the client to expand their manufacturing capabilities efficiently within an existing facility, adhering to all stringent regulatory requirements. The meticulously planned modifications minimized downtime, improved utility distribution, and ensured a seamless transition from design to construction.
Harris Group’s expertise enabled the client to meet their production growth targets while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
