A North Carolina–based biotechnology manufacturer recently expanded its production facility to support new manufacturing capabilities. When the company needed a reliable, energy-efficient air handling solution that could meet strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) provided a custom-engineered system that exceeded expectations.
A Fully Self-Contained Air Handling Solution
The project required an air handling system that could be installed outside the facility yet still deliver the precise environmental control necessary for cleanroom production areas. CESI recommended an EAS pre-piped, pre-wired air handling unit, designed to function as a nearly “plug-and-play” solution.
“The client wanted something that could sit outside the building and be completely self-contained,” explained Greg Munter, PE, Partner and Sales Engineer at CESI. “They needed airflow and tight control, but they also wanted a single-point connection — something where they could simply bring electrical, ductwork, and mechanical services to the unit, and everything else was already done.”
The EAS air handler arrived from the factory fully piped and fully wired, including integrated utilities and a built-in vestibule containing pre-run piping and electrical connections. This design drastically reduced the amount of field work required.
Reducing Field Work and Installation Time
Traditional air handling units require contractors to perform extensive field connections — a process that can take several weeks. In this case, however, the EAS system arrived in three modular sections that were quickly reassembled and connected on site.
“When it showed up, they brought in a crane, set it on the platform, made the connections, and it was ready to go,” said Munter. “Normally, that would be several weeks’ worth of field work. Here, installation was much easier; everything inside the unit was already pre-run.”
The pre-engineered configuration minimized potential field errors, saved significant labor time, and ensured that every connection met the manufacturer’s specifications. Once the three main sections were assembled and utilities connected, the system was operational almost immediately.
Supporting Cleanroom and GMP Production Requirements
The biotech company’s new air handling system serves GMP production areas, highly controlled cleanroom environments where medical products are manufactured. Such spaces demand exceptional air quality and environmental stability.
“These units were serving the GMP production areas, including the places where they’re actually making the products that go to patients,” Munter explained. “That means tight temperature and humidity control, as well as HEPA filtration for contamination control. Those are all critical to meeting GMP standards.”
The EAS air handling unit integrates temperature, humidity, and particulate control in a single, compact, outdoor-ready system. By maintaining stable, clean air conditions, it helps ensure the facility meets its stringent manufacturing requirements.
Efficiency, Innovation, and Reliability
The project illustrates how advanced air handling technologies and prefabricated system design can streamline installation while improving reliability. For the biotech manufacturer, the EAS system’s modular, pre-engineered approach not only simplified installation but also reduced downtime and met demanding performance standards from day one.
“At CESI, we’re always looking for ways to make projects easier for the contractor and better for the end user,” Munter said. “A pre-piped, pre-wired solution like this just makes sense. It’s faster, cleaner, and more dependable, especially for clients with critical production needs.”
Learn More about EAS
CESI provides high-performance EAS systems and equipment for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across the Mid-Atlantic. EAS manufactures custom air handling units that are factory-built, fully piped, and pre-wired to deliver complete, ready-to-install HVAC solutions with minimal field work. To learn more, contact us today.
