Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC has selected Cyma Builders as the EPCM lead for multiple facility projects in Lenoir, NC. Exela, a developer and manufacturer of proprietary and generic sterile injectable products, first engaged Cyma in summer 2024 for a new Syringe Manufacturing facility.
The project involves converting a 120,000 SF former furniture and fabric manufacturing plant into a state-of-the-art syringe production facility. The initial phase will include two syringe manufacturing lines, two molding rooms, and supporting spaces such as labs, offices, gowning and locker rooms, a break room, and a warehouse. Future expansion plans include up to six syringe manufacturing lines. This fast-track project aims to launch operations in early 2026.
Beyond the new facility, Exela has also tasked Cyma with leading major infrastructure upgrades, filling line improvements, and building expansions across other Lenoir sites. Cyma is currently advancing through the design phase, with construction staffing planned for the second half of 2025 and into 2026.
Cyma Builders proudly announces the successful completion of Phase 2 at August Bioservices, marking a milestone in our commitment to construction excellence and client satisfaction.
Expanding GMP Production Spaces and cGMP Warehouse Capacity
The primary objective of Phase 2 was to augment the existing GMP production spaces and cGMP warehouse capacity at the facility. This involved constructing and finalizing the cGMP warehouse, completing CNC and Process corridors, and installing necessary MEP infrastructure.
The culmination of Phase 2 resulted in several key accomplishments:
- 6,500 SF of new cGMP warehouse capacity
- Two new 175 BHP boilers
- Two new 128 ton chillers
- A new clean compressed air system
- A new WFI and CS Generation and Distribution system.
- Six new roof top air handlers to support the new spaces.
These enhancements provide the foundation for improved operational efficiency and capacity expansion, empowering August Bioservices to meet growing demands and advance their mission.
Overcoming Challenges with Precision and Expertise
Despite challenges, such as the presence of extensive limestone bedrock and the proximity to the Colonial Natural Gas Pipeline, we successfully executed blasting activities. This was achieved through meticulous planning and collaboration with subcontractors and pipeline owners, ensuring zero incidents.
Following blasting operations, we swiftly transitioned to constructing the building shell using a steel superstructure with precast panels for durability. Simultaneously, interior fit-out work commenced on the warehouse, and despite supply chain delays, our proactive approach and strategic partnerships mitigated potential setbacks.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3 and Beyond
As we celebrate Phase 2’s success, we look forward to Phase 3’s growth. Scheduled to start in late Q1, it will introduce two formulation suites for custom filling lines. Our team remains dedicated to delivering excellence at every stage of the project, driving innovation and progress in the field of construction.
The successful completion of Phase 2 at August Bioservices underscores our commitment to quality, safety, and client satisfaction. We extend gratitude to stakeholders for their collaboration, shaping the future of construction excellence. Stay tuned for updates as we proceed to the next phase!
For inquiries or to learn more about our services, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Cyma Builders completely renovated an existing pharmaceutical production space for August Bioservices, helping to facilitate their future business goals. The client purchased the facility with the intent of developing an extensive CDMO capability located in the middle of the United States.
The initial step was to revamp the existing facility to enable manufacturing operations while the future buildings were being designed. This involved overhauling the mechanical and electrical systems, and installing new clean process utilities to support the filling process that was intended for the site.
Significant work was also done on the existing equipment mezzanine above the suites, which included removing of AHUs and installing of new ductwork. This was coordinated with other utilities and equipment to ensure clear maintenance access.
Additionally, Cyma assisted the client in arranging for a new electrical service from the public utility company, capable of supporting the increased power needs from the current renovation and future expansion projects.
This project was executed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the project suffered significant challenges related to supply chain issues which affected stainless steel piping, electrical breakers, and mechanical infrastructure.
Cyma Builders successfully completed the GMP production suites for one of our confidential clients! The purpose of this project was to expand upon the facility’s existing GMP production spaces with four new Grade B Gene Therapy suites as well as an additional freezer room.
We are proud to share that our team was not only able to accomplish the expansion successfully, but also overcome the project’s unique challenges in a seamless way.
Creating an Efficient, Workable and Easily Accesible Layout
One of Cyma’s initial tasks was to create an efficient and workable layout while also ensuring that all areas would be easily accessible from the GMP clean room’s walkable ceiling. There was an extensive effort to coordinate all trades in the ceiling and to ensure that all the ductwork, process piping, and mechanical system would be accessible from this ceiling. This was achieved utilizing BIM modeling and coordination sessions for a 10 week period at the onset of the project.
Overall, the client was very happy with the result as it is relatively easy to access anything from the walkable ceiling installed during this portion of the project!
Preventing Covid-Related Equipment Delays and Supply-Chain Disruptions
One of the main challenges of the project was dealing with supply chain disruptions and COVID related delays to the equipment. Cyma created a tracking matrix early in the job and coordinated with subs on all components to try and identify components that suffered delays as quickly as possible. Once they were identified, Cyma worked with the manufacturer to try and mitigate the delay and prevent the component from delaying the overall project.
In the end, Cyma was able to prevent any equipment related delays from affecting the overall delivery and integration of the production suites into the existing facility!
Expanding and Integrating New Infrastructure with Minimal Disruption
Another challenge on the project was actually segregating the project from the existing facility and ensuring there was no impact to existing GMP operations. This was achieved by creating a comprehensive utility shutdown matrix which allowed the facility to see when and how every project related shutdown was being performed on the project, and whether or not it would be disruptive to the facility.
The facility was then able to coordinate with their end users and Cyma to select a date that would have the least impact. During these critical shutdowns, Cyma would draft and circulate a method of procedures to further coordinate with the facilities maintenance team so they would know what tasks were being performed throughout the day of the shutdown.
This process was very helpful to both Cyma and the facility as it allowed the shutdowns to be well planned and adapt to unforeseen circumstances as needed.
Cyma Builders and Construction Managers was retained by a confidential client to construct a new pilot plant at their existing PA facility. This pilot plant was designed to support a new cell therapy suite that was being designed and constructed at another facility. Due to the role of this new suite, it was imperative that it be completed and put into operation before the other facility was constructed.
The overall project consisted of the demolition of an existing suite that was renovated to accommodate the new program. The new suite included some new mechanical infrastructure while also re-purposing and modifying two existing packaged AHU’s that were used for the previous suite. The overall finishes installed in the suite included epoxy paint throughout, as well as a troweled epoxy floor. Cyma was also responsible for installing a number of bio safety cabinets and clean room pass thru’s as part of the project.
The original project schedule showed the suite being completed in early June of 2018, and was contingent on receiving funding for the project in November of 2017. Unfortunately, funding was not released for the project until late January of 2018. Due to the criticality of the suite to future operations, the client insisted that the early June completion date be maintained as much as possible. Once released, Cyma Builders worked extensively with the design engineers and vendors to identify the long lead components on the critical path. Once identified, a methodical approach was taken to try to ensure that the long lead components were onsite when needed to achieve the project schedule. Using this strategy, Cyma was able to receive over 95% of the equipment on time, with the remaining 5% not arriving due to manufacturer related shortages.
Once the issue with the long lead equipment was resolved, Cyma began working on constructing the suite. The original construction schedule assumed 20 weeks of construction, but the work now had to be performed in 16 weeks due to constraints caused by the lead times of the materials and lack of funding. Cyma developed and implemented a construction plan to complete the work in the required time frame using a negotiated overtime allowance. The allowance was strictly managed to ensure that the money was being spent efficiently to allow the maximum amount of schedule to be recovered for each dollar spent.
During the project, Cyma was also able to use previous work experience in clean room environments to provide useful suggestions to the client. This included recommendations for clean room phones, various finish details, and materials of construction for the various signage that was installed as part of the project.
Cyma Builders and Construction Managers was retained by a confidential client to construct a new manufacturing suite with a corresponding compounding suite at their New Jersey facility. The project was commissioned to fulfill the manufacturing needs of a new client that had recently been entered into a contract to manufacture certain products.
The 8,500 SF clean room was constructed to GMP EU classification and within the footprint of an active cGMP manufacturing facility. At the onset of the project, Cyma had to take extensive precautions to ensure the construction activities would not affect the active pharmaceutical manufacturing operations that were being conducted directly adjacent to the new suite. These precautions included clean room temporary partitions, strategic placement of negative air machines to ensure the control of dust and maintain pressure, as well as a diligent clean up effort to ensure that no dust or construction debris migrated into the plant. Cyma was also directly responsible for the flow of the contractors on site and ensuring they did not deviate from approved egress pathways. The FDA, EU, and the manufacturer’s clients conducted several routine and surprise audits during construction without having a single observation that could be attributed to the construction team.
The overall construction included a modular clean room system for all clean room walls, ceiling and doors. The construction team erected an independent structural steel support frame for the clean room within the existing building’s envelope. This construction strategy allowed the project to maintain the walk-ability of the modular clean room ceiling while not affecting the existing building’s structural integrity.
The project had a significant amount of support infrastructure. This included four custom AHU’s, four new chillers as well as a custom TWFI heat exchanger skid for a TWFI sub-loop that was being installed as part of the project. These systems were also tied in to the existing systems already in service at the plant. The project also included extensive modification to one of the two main WFI loops in the plant in order to reverse the flow of the loop to achieve a final design goal of their existing master plan. Throughout the installation of this infrastructure, Cyma worked with the engineering and production teams at the plant to schedule strategic shutdowns to allow the project to maintain schedule while almost completely negating the impact to production.
The project also required the retrofit of two existing Munter’s AHU’s that previously served the existing suite. The AHU’s were decontaminated, and then a thorough inspection process was performed to identify any potential failing parts for replacement. Cyma proceeded with replacing these parts in order to ensure the AHU’s fulfilled their designed role with minimal problems in the future.
The infrastructure was installed on a new two story rooftop/internal mezzanine platform system that was constructed immediately above the process space. This platform was independently supported from the existing structure. It is important to note that Cyma also worked with the design team to ensure that this platform was completely walkable and unobstructed by any of the ductwork, piping, or other utilities being installed to support the suite below.
Lonza’s existing powder media suite required upgrades to achieve cGMP standards in order to continue manufacturing product. Improvements looking to be gained included improvement of process flow, congestion relief, crease facility capacity, Provide EU/FDA Compliant layout and environment and provide EU compliant airlocking. This project was scheduled for three phase in order to accommodate ongoing operations.
Phase 1 included installation of new airlocks and high speed roll up doors to properly segregate the Powder suite. Additionally, the walls of the existing room were lined with heat welded takiron and a new epoxy floor installed to provide GMP finishes throughout the suite. Completing the finish work was particularly difficult due to the existing utilities exposed within the room that could not be removed (or recessed) without adding substantial cost to the project. New ductwork was installed during this phase to prep for connection to a new AHU to be installed under the future phases. New suites were also constructed to house pre-blending operations and a relocated CIP skid.
Phase 2 included installation of new Material & Personnel Airlocks, Chemical Storage and Weigh/Dispense Suite. The Weigh/Dispense Suite was purpose built with multiple down flow booths to accommodate specific products and personnel protection. Finishes within the Phase 2 suites matched those installed under Phase 1, including takiron walls, epoxy floors and epoxy painted ceilings. Additionally, a new 15,000 CFM AHU was installed during this phase to provide the necessary air changes to accommodate the program. The AHU installation included rooftop dunnage and platforms, along with new plant utility distribution.
Phase 3 included demolition of the existing Weigh/Dispense Suite, replaced by the Phase 2 suite. This area was then converted to a Chemical Staging and Personnel In Airlock. The finishes in Phase 1 &2 were carried through to Phase 3, and the new HVAC system was extended and leveraged to provide the appropriate air changes.
Once Phase 3 was complete, the Powder Media Suite was compliant with cGMP standards, achieved uni-directional flow and was operationally optimized for the program going forward. The project was completed on time and within budget.
Cyma Builders and Construction Managers were retained by DPT Laboratories to construct a new small volume parenteral (SVP) manufacturing suite and a new compounding suite at their Lakewood, NJ facility. The project was part of an ongoing master plan being executed at the facility that involves constructing individual SVP suites to fulfill the CDMO needs of their various clients
The 7,200 SF clean room was constructed to GMP EU classification and within the footprint of an active cGMP manufacturing facility. At the onset of the project, Cyma had to take extensive precautions to ensure the construction activities would not affect the active pharmaceutical manufacturing operations that were being conducted directly adjacent to the new suite. These precautions included clean room temporary partitions, strategic placement of negative air machines to ensure the control of dust and maintain pressure, as well as a diligent clean up effort to ensure that no dust or construction debris migrated into the plant. Cyma was also directly responsible for the flow of the contractors on site and ensuring they did not deviate from approved egress pathways. The FDA, EU, and DPT’s clients conducted several routine and surprise audits during construction without having a single observation that could be attributed to the construction team.
The overall construction included a modular clean room system for all clean room walls, ceiling and doors. This system was to be integrated into the existing adjacent suite that used the same modular system. Since the existing suite was in production 7-days a week, Cyma had to perform the tie-in to the suite during a previously scheduled bi-yearly shutdown. Cyma successfully completed five separate integration points at this shutdown, when the overall suite construction was only approximately 35% complete. Using the aforementioned clean room temporary partitions, Cyma was able to ensure that the existing suite was adequately sealed and protected while the rest of the suite was completed. The suites also had a trowel applied epoxy floor system with integral cove base.
The project had a significant amount of support infrastructure. This included two custom AHU’s, a new process and HVAC chilled water system, as well as a custom AWFI heat exchanger skid for an AWFI sub-loop that was being installed as part of the project. These systems were also tied in to the existing systems already in service at the plant. Cyma worked with the engineering and production teams at the plant to schedule strategic shutdowns to allow the project to maintain schedule while almost completely negating the impact to production.
The infrastructure was installed on a new two story rooftop/internal mezzanine platform system that was constructed immediately above the process space. This platform was independently supported from the existing structure. It is important to note that Cyma also worked with the design team to ensure that this platform was completely walkable and unobstructed by any of the ductwork, piping, or other utilities being installed to support the suite below.
At 60% completion, Cyma was informed that the customer purchased filling line was approximately 4 months behind schedule. This delay proved devastating to the client’s overall schedule to get the suite into active production by the end of 2016. In order to help their client achieve their goal, Cyma worked with their critical subcontractors to revise the sequence of construction to minimize this impact. This allowed almost 80% of the suite to be constructed while the filling line was being completed. Once the filling line arrived, Cyma rigged the unit into place as quickly as possible so the rest of the suite could be completed. Cyma then connected all of the relevant utilities and supported the startup of the filling line.
Local to our west coast presence, Cyma Builders & Construction Managers completed a $500,000 Oven Room construction project for a confidential Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical firm in Vacaville, California. During this job, which consisted of 500 SQ.FT. of work and a very aggressive timeline, the client required renovation of this existing manufacturing space.
The facility owned existing ovens to cure the product; however, they had been walled off to create additional space from previous renovation. The ovens were opened back up to the existing space and two new rooms were created – a new room for the ovens as well as a transitional room from the existing space to the oven room to serve as an airlock. After years of neglect, the oven needed a complete electrical and mechanical overhaul. All the electrical, HMI and chart recorder panels were refurbished and the existing air handling units and ductwork were tested for leaks as well as received new inline HEPA filters.
In addition, new terminal HEPA filters, LED lighting, stainless steel sliding doors, and epoxy flooring were installed in the two new rooms. Due to the strict timeline, the equipment was expedited and construction activities had to be uniquely phased to meet the deadline. The project was delivered on time and under budget to meet the client’s schedule.
Cyma Builders was selected as the construction manager by this Pharmaceutical company to implement their Capacity Expansion Masterplan. The project was driven by spatial constraint of multiple programs throughout the site, including offices, warehouse and manufacturing (not pictured). The project was design to accommodate the additional needs of all three spaces within a single building addition.
The overall project consisted of constructing a new 17,000 SF pre-engineered building structure to accommodate the new program, which was apportioned 3,500 SF office, 3,500 SF manufacturing and 10,000 SF warehouse. The project commenced with an expansive pile driving effort, which was required due to poor soil conditions and adjacency to the river, followed by concrete mat slab construction. A 2,500 SF modular Vault was then delivered and erected onsite to accommodate controlled substance storage capacity requirements. The pre-engineered metal building was subsequently delivered to site and full assembled in the field around the Vault. The design of the building was done in conjunction with Cyma’s PEMB Division and Nucor. The structure had two sections, a lower roof area to accommodate the offices and an elevated one to accommodate the manufacturing and warehouse programs. All equipment loads were coordinated heavily during the design phase so the building purchase could be expedited and comply with the critical path.
The building erection was proceeded by receipt and rigging of major rooftop HVAC equipment. The office area was supported by a new 10,000 CFM packaged, DX AHU, while the manufacturing area was served by a 27,500 CFM custom Haakon AHU, inclusive of split condensing unit and heat pipe for energy recovery from the exhaust stream. Both units were installed on the roof over the office area, with the manufacturing system ducted over to the high-bay portion of the structure. A 16,000 CFM vertical air rotation unit was utilized for the warehouse and installed on an interior pad. Office construction included a new conference room, workstations and enclosed offices. The warehouse was design to accommodate 192 total pallet positions, with the Vault design to house an additional 192. All racking was installed to achieve this and a new epoxy coating installed across the warehouse floor.
The manufacturing area was designed to accommodate two (2) new Finishing Suites, only one of which was constructed and built out as part of the project. Additional support spaces included a Wash Room and Weigh/Dispense/Re-Pack Area. The proposed Finishing Suite included installation of existing mill and sifter equipment for bulk API processing; however, a new stack-up was required in order to accommodate their reuse. Cyma Builders led the procurement effort to purchase the new stack-up complete with new IBC’s, post lift, static butterfly valves, blender, and pack out equipment surrounded by a multi-tier stainless steel mezzanine. Additional process equipment purchases were also coordinated to accommodate the program including roller conveyors and floor scales.
The office and warehouse area were turned over on time and within budget in October 2015. the manufacturing suite is currently on schedule and within budget currently projected to conclude in the first quarter of 2016.
