Watson-Marlow Wins Gold at MassEcon Economic Impact Awards
(Image source: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions)
Built in the largest biopharma cluster in the US, Watson-Marlow’s Americas manufacturing site - located in Devens, Massachusetts - is a state-of-the-art production facility. With over $106M invested into its construction and fit-out, the Devens site spans ~150,000 square feet. This includes 50,000 square feet of ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanrooms for molding, extrusion and assembly of high purity fluid path products used in critical drug manufacture. The Devens facility opened and made the first production shipment of peristaltic pumps in December 2022, 13 months from the initial ground-breaking.
Environmental and social aspects were carefully considered when designing the Devens site. For promotion of employee wellbeing, the facility includes a walking trail, fitness space and wellbeing center, as well as gender neutral facilities. The site has also been landscaped to promote biodiversity and protect the endangered Blanding’s Turtle.
Rainwater is harvested for non-potable water applications and a 1.0-megawatt solar system will be installed at the site in 2024. To reduce carbon impacts from transportation, the facility was strategically placed near public transport links and a cycle trail, as well as having multiple electric vehicle charging stations.
“One reason why we chose to build our Devens site was that Massachusetts aligns with Watson-Marlow’s commitment to inclusion, sustainability and community engagement,” said Christine Harrington, US Supply Director, WMFTS. “As part of our parent company Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc’s ‘One Planet’ strategy, we are committed to building stronger communities and leaving a better world for tomorrow.
“Being recognized as a Gold Awardee at the MassEcon awards demonstrates our continued support of Massachusetts and investment in its community. We’re proud to be a valued part of the state.”
