A Laboratory Built for Innovation
Right in the heart of Pivot Park in Oss – the hotspot for pharmaceutical innovation in the Netherlands – a state-of-the-art laboratory has been established to support pharmaceutical production sites worldwide. For the design of this lab, which is fully tailored to working safely with powders, Scala Scientific collaborated with a leading pharmaceutical company to develop a series of high-end safety solutions.
This new lab is part of an international pharmaceutical player and is entirely focused on material research and characterization, with a specialisation in powders.
Where many laboratories concentrate on liquids or solids, this lab has a unique focus on the physical characterization of powder-related substances. The reason is clear: powders play a crucial role in pharmaceutical production processes. Think of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and even tablet powder coatings. Any issue in this chain – whether it's a deviation in structure, miscibility, moisture sensitivity, or packaging – can have a major impact on product quality or delivery reliability.
This laboratory at Pivot Park was set up to resolve precisely these kinds of issues quickly and expertly. The department functions as a global expertise center where material problems from all over the world are sent for in-depth research and analysis. That places high demands on both the facilities and the people who work there.
"Safety is our number one priority. And Scala Scientific truly helps us achieve that."
A Complex Challenge Demands Custom Solutions
During the lab’s setup, it quickly became clear that standard lab furnishings would not suffice. There was a need for workstations that were not only safe, but also flexible and practical to use. For example, the fume hoods needed to be adapted to accommodate various types of equipment, ranging from large measuring instruments to advanced analytical devices. Specific environmental factors such as humidity also had to be taken into account. If the air is too dry, powders can become static and disperse uncontrollably. If it's too humid, they clump together, making reliable analysis impossible.
Ergonomics and ease of use were also key considerations. Deep workbenches, sufficient freedom of movement, and the use of gloveboxes that limit manual operations as little as possible were essential for working both safely and efficiently.
"They come to see, think along, sit at the drawing board, and before you know it, you have a solution that fits perfectly."
The Solution: A Close Collaboration with Scala Scientific
The collaboration between the lab and Scala Scientific goes back several years. In a previous role, the lab manager had already worked with Scala on a custom-designed glovebox. So when the new lab in Oss was being set up, the choice was quickly made. Scala was contacted again, and to the lab's surprise, the earlier design had since been added to Scala’s standard catalog—a flying restart to the partnership.
Scala delivered, among other things:
- Custom-made gloveboxes, suitable for handling high-potency substances and equipped with humidity control
- Ventilated Balance Enclosures, tailored to a range of analytical instruments
- Custom fume hoods, with smart solutions for cable and hose entry
- Training sessions and extensive guidance for lab staff
- Fast service and maintenance—essential in an environment where every day counts
What sets the collaboration apart is the level of involvement. Scala is not just a supplier but a partner who actively thinks along from the very first idea to the final fine-tuning on site. Even in unexpected situations, such as transport delays, Scala remains transparent, reachable, and solution-oriented.
"Everyone knows how the other works. That brings peace of mind and trust. And in our world, that’s not a given."
The Result: A Safe, Efficient, and Scalable Lab
Thanks to the collaboration with Scala Scientific, the laboratory at Pivot Park in Oss now boasts a safe and practical working environment, fully equipped to handle a wide range of powders—from harmless to highly potent. By using custom gloveboxes, powder fume hoods, and ventilated enclosures, staff can work efficiently with minimal exposure.
The laboratory is designed not only for today’s needs but also with an eye on the future. If new equipment is introduced or working methods change, integration is seamless. That’s because Scala was involved in the design and layout from the very beginning. This ensures the lab remains flexible and ready to grow—without compromising safety or ease of use.
What makes the collaboration with Scala even stronger is their constant readiness and proactive mindset. They respond quickly and actively look for solutions. As a result, the lab continues to operate smoothly, even under pressure.
"They always think in solutions, not in problems – and that’s incredibly important to us."
The infrastructure is in place, but the collaboration continues to evolve. Exactly what’s needed in an environment where innovation and safety go hand in hand.
