CLIENT PROFILE
GSKBio is a global biopharmaceutical company based in London, UK, established in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. The company primarily focuses on the immune system and advanced technologies related to infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/immunology, and oncology. GSK’s portfolio includes vaccines, specialty medicines, and general medicines. The GSKBio facility in Marietta, Pennsylvania, was originally a vaccines plant purchased from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 2005. It has since become a hub for U.S. vaccine production. Prior to GSK’s acquisition of the site, Thermo Systems had installed the Building Management System (BMS) for Wyeth in several buildings on the campus.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Thermo Systems was selected as the trusted partner to assist GSKBio with the verification of all controls onsite, starting with Building 40. This study provided critical insights into the installed systems, their condition, lifecycle, and recommendations for future improvements. Based on this data, GSKBio enlisted an EPC firm to design and implement a qualified Building Management System (BMS) and Particle Environmental Monitoring System (PEMS) solution for Building 40. The system would control and monitor critical HVAC equipment, process rooms, and utilities. Thermo Systems provided a non-proprietary Rockwell Automation solution, featuring new CompactLogix PLCs integrated with the legacy proprietary controllers. These hardware systems were unified into a single Iconics SCADA solution for the BMS. Additionally, a completely new Rockwell PLC solution was implemented for the PEMS, combined with a new Wonderware SCADA.
SCOPE OF SUPPLY
- HVAC Systems
- Utility Systems Integration
- Validated Particle and Environmental Monitoring System
- Full Qualified Documentation Package
- SCADA Integration with Alarm and Remote Notification
RESULTS
Thermo Systems leveraged its deep knowledge of the facility and local resources to meet the fast-paced schedule, as GSKBio aimed to get the facility operational as quickly as possible. Our project manager maintained constant communication with the construction team to ensure the efficient coordination of materials, manpower, and subcontractors. The controls design was streamlined by utilizing similar panel configurations and programming, allowing us to combine legacy panels into more powerful and efficient PLC designs. This approach reduced both costs and risks. This project was the first of several at the site in preparation for the facility’s launch as GSKBio. The first operational task at the newly renovated facility was the packaging of a hepatitis B vaccine.
