RSSL opens new microbiology lab to support expansion

The move follows sustained market demand for the consultancy’s microbiological analysis services. It not only provides the operational space to significantly increase capacity, but also signals a commitment to the future expansion of test methods and staff levels.

“We have experienced tremendous growth over recent years and have simply outgrown the existing laboratory at our head office in Reading. This purpose-designed laboratory will enable us to run more analytical activities in parallel. It also means we can broaden the scope in terms of higher sample volumes, more large-scale projects and new opportunities,” explained Reginald Fernandes, RSSL’s pharmaceutical microbiology manager.

All members of RSSL’s pharmaceutical microbiology team will be relocating to the new site at nearby Wokingham and recruitment plans are already underway to further increase staffing levels.

The move will be managed as a two-stage process with core microbiological tasks - quantitative endotoxin analysis, microbial limits testing and specified organism detection - expected to be operational by 2 September. Remaining services, including cleaning and disinfectant validation, will be transferred to the GMP compliant and MHRA accredited site by 16 September.

“We have planned to maintain complete business continuity during the transition and will keep our clients closely informed throughout. These are exciting times for RSSL’s microbiology group as we seek to strengthen our position in the marketplace and prepare for the next stage of growth. Watch this space!” says Fernandes.