Supporting Long-Term Scientific Growth Through a Controlled, Zero-Disruption Laboratory Relocation

The Client

The client is a leading provider of analytical testing and consultation services for the food, feed and beverage industries.

The Challenge

The client's organic chemistry laboratory has outgrown its existing space, requiring a newly constructed facility designed for expansion, scalability and enhanced operational efficiency. The current lab supported global R&D and manufacturing operations across multiple shifts while also functioning as a third-party contract testing site. To transition without disrupting critical business functions, the client needed on-site expertise to manage a complex relocation — protecting sensitive assets, maintaining compliance and meeting an aggressive timeline.

The Actalent Solution

Actalent was selected for its experience with similar relocations, strong local talent network and established vendor partnerships. After aligning on objectives, Actalent developed a comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless move with zero operational downtime. Although preventative maintenance was expected to be fully completed prior to project start, several pieces of equipment were found to be outstanding. Our equipment validation engineer performed the necessary preventative measures during relocation to ensure compliance, equipment readiness, and successful post‑move functionality and calibration checks. Throughout the project, detailed documentation upheld quality and regulatory standards, and coordinated planning minimized disruption to daily operations. The client also leveraged Actalent’s flexible financial model by pre‑paying a portion of the work using surplus project funds.

The project scope included:

1. Pre‑move planning: Involved creating a detailed equipment inventory, conducting risk assessments and developing validation protocols to confirm systems met required standards before relocation. Coordination with internal teams and third‑party movers ensured clear communication and efficient execution.
2. Relocation execution: Consisted of providing on‑site supervision during packing, transport and installation to safeguard equipment integrity and compliance. Close collaboration with facility and laboratory management were maintained throughout the project, with daily meetings with our laboratory move coordinator woven into the process to ensure continuous alignment with infrastructure and operational requirements.
3. Post‑move validation: Focused on verifying equipment performance, calibration and assay reproducibility, and completing documentation in accordance with GMP, GLP and other regulatory guidelines.

Project coordination and scheduling were central to success. Actalent built a fast‑tracked, milestone‑driven timeline to meet tight deadlines while protecting data and operational continuity. Validation preparation began early to streamline pre‑move activities, and once relocation concluded, phased validation began immediately — allowing same‑day documentation and signoff. Risk mitigation strategies included contingency planning for critical assets, deployment of experienced personnel and continuous communication to resolve issues quickly.

To execute the work, Actalent provided two key roles:

1. Laboratory move & coordination specialist: Managed planning and execution of the physical relocation, including inventory development, asset‑based scheduling, communication with project managers and vendors, and oversight of equipment transport and initial validation.
2. Validation/verification engineer: Led post‑move quality assurance for instruments such as HPLC, GC and LCMS, performing validation activities using client procedures and completing all regulatory documentation.

Both resources reported to the client’s chemistry manager and followed all client SOPs.

The Results

The partnership delivered a highly successful relocation. The client praised Actalent’s consultants, program management and recruiting team, noting strong technical alignment and stating Actalent “left them better than we found them.”