Staying Ahead of the Curve in Pharmaceutical Facility Design and Construction

In an industry as critical and rapidly evolving as pharmaceutical manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve in facility design and construction is not just a matter of efficiency or aesthetics—it’s a vital component of innovation and compliance.

ADCO, a leader in pharmaceutical fit-outs and construction based in Dublin, is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge trends and technologies into projects. Our commitment to innovation not only enhances functionality but also positions ADCO as a thought leader in the pharmaceutical construction sector.

“The ADCO project team paid great attention to details and worked closely with the appointed design team and our site management to ensure the brief was successfully delivered. Most importantly, ADCO worked with good attention to safety, demonstrated flexibility and were thoroughly professional at all times in what was a challenging working environment. I would have no hesitation in awarding future work to ADCO Contracting, or recommending them to any other client.” – John Donlan, Project Site Engineer Coordinator, Mondelez Ireland Production Ltd.

‘‘In particular in the pharmaceutical world, we’re not the biggest contractor and that’s a huge benefit to the clients, if you’re going with the main top tier contractors, you are only one project of many. Whereas in an ADCO we only take on three or four projects a year or maybe even less, and you are going to have direct input from senior people in ADCO at every stage of the project and that’s a huge benefit.’’ – Michael Pender, Commercial Manager.

Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Facility Design and Construction

• Modular and Flexible Design: The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly adopting modular construction techniques. These allow for versatility in the use of space and adaptability to changing manufacturing requirements. ADCO utilises modular design elements to create spaces that can be easily adjusted or expanded, reducing downtime and facilitating future innovations without major disruptions.

• Sustainability and Green Building Practices: Environmental sustainability is now a priority in pharmaceutical facility design. ADCO incorporates green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable waste management practices to not only minimise environmental impact but also reduce operational costs for clients. These efforts include advanced HVAC systems, solar power integration, and eco-friendly material choices.

• Enhanced Safety and Contamination Control: In the wake of global health challenges, the emphasis on safety and contamination control has never been higher. ADCO is enhancing these aspects through the integration of advanced air filtration systems, controlled environments, and touchless technology, ensuring that facilities not only meet but exceed health and safety standards

‘’In relation to the construction management of an extensive clean room installation project. ADCO completed these works efficiently and safely, ahead of schedule and within budget.

Their control of subcontractors and their adherence to all safety and quality requirements was also worth noting.’’ – Andrew Wynne, Project Manager, MSD

The project reached over 4 million man-hours onsite with zero lost time injuries (LTIs).

• Technology-Driven Construction: Leveraging technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM), ADCO can streamline the construction process, enhance collaboration, and improve the accuracy of pharmaceutical projects. These technologies allow for virtual construction and scenario testing before physical work begins, reducing errors and ensuring a smoother execution.

Collaboration and Communication

Constantly fostering a culture of collaboration and two-way communication, Mairead has been pioneering the use of technology for better compliance and real-time information sharing on sites.?

“Mairead embraced technology to optimise construction management and empower all contractors and subcontractors with connected teams, workflows and data.”

• Smart Facilities: The rise of smart technology in construction has led to pharmaceutical facilities that are not just buildings but intelligent systems capable of self-regulation and monitoring. ADCO integrates IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and AI to optimise everything from energy use to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal operation conditions and compliance with stringent industry regulations.

Join Our Journey in Innovating Pharmaceutical Spaces

At ADCO, we are committed not just to meeting the current standards but to 7setting new ones in the pharmaceutical construction industry.?

‘’I found Mairead to be very professional, organised and efficient. She fully embraced our safety and quality initiatives, and delivered her project despite the most challenging of schedules.’’ – Christopher W. Riley – MSD, Facility Delivery Lead

We recently implemented an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to help employees who may be suffering from mental health issues. EAP’s are intended to help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and wellbeing. An EAP generally includes assessment, short-term counselling and referral services for employees and their immediate family.

• Arranged site visits and talks with celebrity speakers on mental health issues
• Actively helped to establish and promote project mental health champions program
• Place mental health and wellbeing signage and literature across the project and in our canteens
• Organised fundraising for Pieta house

Our projects are designed to be future-proof, catering to the ever-evolving needs of this critical sector. We invite you to join our journey by subscribing to our Linkedin Newsletter

By subscribing, you will receive the latest insights, trends, and innovations directly to your inbox. This is an opportunity to stay informed on how pharmaceutical spaces are evolving and how ADCO is helping to shape the future of the industry. Subscribing also grows our community, creates new contacts, and opens up opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

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Embrace the future of pharmaceutical facility design and construction with ADCO. Subscribe to our updates and be part of a community that values innovation, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions. Visit our website at ADCO to subscribe and have our latest thought leadership content delivered directly to your inbox. Together, let’s continue to innovate and lead in the pharmaceutical sector, creating spaces that are not only functional and compliant but also groundbreaking.