FinVector’s New Facility: Achieving Sustainability and Precision in Viral Vector Production
FinVector, specializing in viral vector therapies, needed a new production facility to meet strict regulatory standards and the additional capacity needs. The company partnered with Elomatic, experts in pharmaceutical investment management and design, to address technical challenges and ensure sustainability. The result is a state-of-the-art facility, completed in agreed time schedule and budget, now ready for validation and future production.
FinVector, an innovative biotechnology company with over 30 years of experience in research and development, required a new production facility in Kuopio to meet the demands of commercial drug production based on viral vectors. After receiving FDA approval for the company’s bladder cancer treatment in 2022, FinVector faced the challenge of constructing a cutting-edge production plant that would meet stringent cleanliness and safety standards in compliance with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations. FinVector chose Elomatic as their partner for this ambitious project due to their extensive expertise in design of pharmaceutical facilities, as well as their prior successful collaborations.
Designing to meet requirements in both hygienic design and sustainability
FinVector needed a flexible, high-tech facility to produce drugs in a controlled and operationally safe environment. The cleanliness requirements for production are extremely high, making it crucial to enhance contamination control in the production area while also preventing emissions released into the environment. To meet these requirements and the company’s unique needs, FinVector decided to build the facility on-site rather than only using prefabricated cleanroom solutions. Building the facility on-site while also using prefabricated parts allowed for greater design flexibility and adjustments during the construction process.
Sustainability has been an important part of the project, and we have managed to optimize energy consumption without compromising GMP standards.
Kaj Rosing, Portfolio Manager, Elomatic
Elomatic´s comprehensive solutions made the difference
FinVector selected Elomatic as a partner after a thorough evaluation of all EPCM contractors. Elomatic stood out due to their extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in cleanroom and controlled environment technology, clean utility, project management and qualification. Their comprehensive solutions, from design to implementation, and their ability to offer in-house services were key factors in the decision. Additionally, FinVector had previously collaborated with Elomatic on similar projects and was very satisfied with the results.
“Elomatic had the technical expertise and understanding of GMP requirements, and we felt confident in their ability to manage the entire process,” says Tony Lönnbäck from FinVector.
Agile collaboration with Elomatic ensures seamless design and construction
The collaboration with Elomatic proceeded smoothly and as planned. The project lasted for approximately two years, with a core team of 10 people from Elomatic deeply involved. Elomatic was responsible for the design and construction management of the 1,400 square meters of production space, including cleanrooms and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), building automation (BMS) and the clean utilities systems. Throughout the process, flexibility and close communication were crucial in addressing unexpected challenges.
“We worked in an agile manner, adapting to what needed to be done each week, and Elomatic was both flexible and technically skilled throughout the process,” continues Tony Lönnbäck.
Innovative water system design and 3D modeling drive energy efficiency and sustainability
From a sustainability perspective one of the most significant decisions in the project was the design of the clean water system, where selecting membrane-based technology over distillation saves about 90% of energy costs compared to traditional systems. In addition, 3D modeling and virtual tools were used to visualize and adjust the design before construction began, facilitating the work and ensuring that the final product met all requirements.
“Sustainability has been an important part of the project, and we have managed to optimize energy consumption without compromising GMP standards,” says Kaj Rosing.
Successful partnership delivers a cutting-edge pharmaceutical facility within budget
Thanks to the successful collaboration with Elomatic, FinVector now has a state-of-the-art facility that meets the high demands of biopharmaceutical production. The construction was completed within an agreed time schedule and budget, impressing both FinVector and its parent company, Ferring Group. The cleanrooms have received positive feedback for their smart design and efficiency, and the facility is now ready for the validation phase.
“We are very pleased with the result. Elomatic has proven to be a reliable partner that has delivered a world-class facility,” says Tony Lönnbäck.
The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2026 following an extensive validation process. FinVector looks forward to continuing its long-term collaboration with Elomatic and further strengthening its position as a leading player in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key takeaways from the FinVector project
- Elomatic managed the full EPCM scope — design, construction management, and qualification support — for a 1,400 m² cGMP biopharmaceutical production facility.
- The facility was completed within the agreed time schedule and budget, meeting FDA and EU GMP standards.
- Cleanroom design, HVAC, building automation (BMS), and clean utilities were all handled in-house by Elomatic’s specialist teams.
- Membrane-based water purification technology was selected over traditional distillation, reducing energy consumption by approximately 90% for that system.
- 3D modelling was used throughout design to resolve clashes and validate layouts before construction began.
- Close, agile collaboration with the client allowed the project team to adapt quickly to technical challenges without delaying the schedule.
Frequently asked questions about GMP pharma facility design
GMP-compliant facility design covers the full engineering scope needed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice regulations from cleanroom classification and contamination control to HVAC, clean utilities, building automation, and qualification documentation. Every design decision must be traceable and justifiable to regulatory authorities such as the FDA or EMA.
Elomatic designs facilities across all cleanroom grades required for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production including Grade A, B, C, and D environments as defined by EU GMP Annex 1. The design scope covers room pressurisation, air change rates, particle monitoring, and contamination control zoning.
Qualification and validation planning starts at the design phase, not at the end of construction. Elomatic prepares the URS, DQ, IQ, OQ, and PQ documentation in parallel with engineering deliverables, so that the facility is ready for regulatory inspection without a separate documentation catch-up phase.
Yes. Elomatic offers a full EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) service for pharmaceutical investment projects. This includes basic and detailed design, procurement support, construction management, commissioning, and qualification all from a single team.
Project duration depends on facility size and complexity. The FinVector project a 1,400 m² biopharmaceutical production facility built to cGMP standards was completed in approximately two years from design start to construction handover. Validation and operational start-up followed in a subsequent phase.
Yes. Elomatic has delivered both new-build (greenfield) and renovation (brownfield) projects in the pharmaceutical sector. Both present different engineering challenges: greenfield projects allow for optimised layouts from the start, while brownfield projects require careful integration with existing building structures, utilities, and operational areas.
GMP requirements and energy efficiency are not in conflict when addressed from the design phase. On the FinVector project, selecting membrane-based purified water technology instead of traditional distillation reduced energy use by roughly 90% for that system, while fully complying with pharmacopoeia water quality requirements. HVAC systems are another area where Elomatic optimises energy performance without compromising air classification.
Elomatic’s pharmaceutical engineering team is based in Finland and has delivered projects across Europe. The team has specialist expertise in cleanroom technology, biopharmaceutical processes, and regulated facility design under both EU GMP and FDA frameworks.
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