Genentech/Roche Biologics Manufacturing Facility Image

Genentech/Roche Biologics Manufacturing Facility

Lendlease was engaged by Genentech to provide Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) services for Genentech's maiden bio-technology manufacturing investment in Singapore. To support the aggressive schedule, the entire production building was designed for modular construction.

Genentech/Roche Biologics Manufacturing Facility

Client
Genentech Singapore Pte Ltd

Location
Singapore

Completion
2008

Area
10,000 square metres

Assignments
Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management & Validation Support

Architect
Jacobs Engineering

Project outcome

The facility which is c-GMP compliant was designed to produce Lucentis and was also validated by the US FDA. Comprising manufacturing space, warehousing, central utilities hub, administrative offices and supporting infrastructure, the campus with 10,000 sqm of built-area sits on 8.3-Ha of prime land in the Tuas Biomedical Park 1.

Lendlease's project management role included managing the project design across four geographic locations and 12 time zones and steering the permitting process from the land application through to securing the building occupancy permits.

The project was delivered on an extremely fast-track basis with the entire process from Concept Design to Engineering runs achieved in less than 2 years 10 months ahead of industry benchmarks on other similar facilities.

To support the aggressive schedule, the entire production building was designed for modular construction by Jacobs with 24 fully fitted-out modules, each weighing more than 90-tonnes, transported from the US to Singapore on specialized ships. Planning for transportation in Singapore involved a police escort, the closure of public roadways along the route and even the temporary relocation of streetlights.

The scale and complexity of this modular construction which required the use of 800T cranes for module setting, was a global first for the pharmaceutical industry.

The excellent built quality and the scarcity of resources during construction due to the rising market in Singapore endorsed the initial decision to adopt modular construction.

Sustainability initiatives which were fully implemented on the project from design to construction and operation of the plant was recognized by the Building & Construction Authority, which awarded it the Green Mark Gold certification for environmentally friendly developments.

The project team was conferred the Safety and Health Award Recognition for Projects (SHARP) award by the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council.

The facility was delivered within budget and ahead of the key milestones established at project inception.