LGC Organic Chemistry Centre of Excellence

Toronto Research Chemicals, a division of LGC Group, required a larger footprint to manage the growth of its synthetic organic bio-chemical testing and production. Following a comprehensive feasibility study of an existing facility and exploring market options for expansion, an informed decision was made to develop a ground up facility in Vaughan, ON, to serve as the flagship North American headquarters.

The overarching mandate of the LGC Organic Chemistry Centre of Excellence was to create a highly controlled and secure environment. Defining a standardized lab space was critical to achieving efficient workflow while providing future capacity to service genomics and quality assurance requirements. Research areas, labs, packaging and shipping stations were all designed with input from users to ensure that every stage of the chemical compound process was captured in the design. The intricate specifications of the facility incorporated 320 specialized fume hoods and dedicated cold storage and solvent dispensing rooms.

The laboratories are the backbone of this project and feature advanced mechanical and electrical systems, seamlessly integrated to ensure precision and reliability. These cutting-edge setups incorporate sensors, automated controls and meticulous calibration, fostering optimal experimental and production conditions. The high-end synergy of mechanical and electrical components includes advanced strategies to minimize energy consumption and reduce GHG emissions.

The three-story structure features a spacious two-story atrium and a combination of administrative, lab, production, warehouse and amenity spaces to accommodate a workforce of up to 600 employees. Design technology and live mark-up workshops were employed to give full three-dimensional walkthroughs while parametric programming was used to help scale the project through multiple simulations.