Case Study: Arcellx Laboratory Relocation
Time & Location:
- Gaithersburg, MD
- 2023
Project Overview:
Arcellx, a biotechnology company, needed to relocate their entire laboratory and office operations from their Gaithersburg facility to a new dual-floor space in Rockville, Maryland. The complex move required specialized handling of sensitive research equipment, temperature-controlled storage units, and critical laboratory materials—all while maintaining strict safety protocols and minimizing downtime.
Scope of Work:
- Relocating temperature-sensitive freezers (-80°C, -20°C, -4°C) with contents intact
- Moving sophisticated laboratory equipment including microscopes, analyzers, and bio-safety cabinets
- Coordinating with vendor representatives for high-value, warranty equipment
- Ensuring zero contamination during bio-safety cabinet relocation
- Maintaining power to critical refrigeration units during transport
Execution & Strategy:
HMS deployed a comprehensive healthcare moving strategy specifically designed for laboratory environments:
Temperature Control:
- Generator-equipped trucks maintained power to all refrigeration units during transport
- Specialized packing protocols filled voids in freezers to prevent content shifting
- Priority handling ensured frozen materials were first loaded and first delivered
Laboratory Equipment Expertise:
- Custom packing solutions for delicate microscopes and analyzers using padded commercial bins
- Hydraulic lift systems for bio-safety cabinet disassembly and reassembly
- Anti-static protection and specialized dollies for sensitive analytical equipment
Comprehensive Project Management:
- Dedicated project team including executive oversight and specialized supervisors
- Two-day coordinated timeline to minimize operational disruption
- Pre-move equipment delivery allowing client staff to prepare at their own pace
Outcome:
- Zero equipment damage during the complex two-day relocation
- No temperature breaches in critical freezer storage systems
- Ahead-of-schedule completion with all laboratory operations resumed within 48 hours
- Seamless coordination with multiple vendor representatives and facility management teams