Laboratory Fit Out for JPL’s Flavour Development Facility

View our flythrough video created to illustrate the layout for the laboratory fit out at JPL Flavours.

Tony Havvas – JPL Flavours Ltd, Bromborough, Merseyside

Project Brief

JPL have seen significant expansion since they were founded in 2014. Their existing facility had limited space, was spread across 3 buildings and no longer met their requirements.

The new facility will offer cutting edge technology for flavour development and double the size of the current site, with additional space for further expansion. There will be the benefit of all staff being located in one building and a significant improvement in JPL’s research and development capability.

Phase 1 – Office Conversion & Fit Out of Flavour Development Labs

Initial discussions were around ways to improve workflow and productivity. Klick held meetings with the lab users and all other stakeholders to brainstorm the lab design of the new showcase laboratories. Office space was to be converted which meant the services had to be completely upgraded to support the new laboratory requirements.

A priority was to provide improved storage for all the varied samples and ingredients required by the lab technicians. These ingredients often have an overpowering smell and therefore it was important to segregate the storage area from the main lab space. Klick proposed 2 separate bays of roller racking which would allow the ingredients to be stored in a systematic manner. The bays would be screened off by glass partitioning.

Flexible Laboratory Furniture Design and Fit Out For JPL

A multi functional mobile tasting unit was designed which accommodates tray storage and can be used for client tastings or additional workspace. Flexibility was a key factor and mobile storage cabinets were designed to fit under the workbenches.

For ease of access to frequently used ingredients, a bespoke reagent shelving system was designed, providing shelf space above the workbenches. This features a partition, made of glass to maximise natural light, which separates each side of the shelf and segregates samples.

The new laboratory required a fume cupboard and as part of the upgrade of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Klick made provision for the extraction.  This required alterations to an external wall, the soffit & the roof to accommodate the new flue. In addition to this, local extraction arms were proposed for each work area to avoid contamination.

To complete phase 1 of the project, ceiling mounted monitor arms were installed. These streamline the data entry process whilst maximising the work bench space for each technician.

Phase 2 –Expanding Capacity – Warehouse & Laboratory Fit Out

Phase 2 focused on transforming a large warehouse into a high-specification technical hub incorporating manufacturing areas, new offices and 14 additional state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, along with expanded storage and support areas. The laboratory fit out delivered purpose-built labs, designed to enable JPL’s teams and customers to collaborate closely on flavour development.

Mezzanine Provides Extra Capacity for High-Performance Labs

A key objective was to create a future-proofed environment with the flexibility and space required to support JPL’s expanding flavour development operations.

To achieve this, a new mezzanine structure was designed and constructed to accommodate additional storerooms, offices and specialist laboratories for sweet, savoury and beverage flavour development, as well as enhanced quality control and analytical facilities. The works included installation of a new staircase, subfloor preparation and full service integration.

Klick also coordinated the delivery and positioning of major manufacturing equipment, including the installation of a commercial stainless-steel powder mixer within the newly created production zone. This required a city crane lift and close management of logistics to ensure safe and accurate placement. Mechanical, electrical and HVAC infrastructure across the building was upgraded to support the increased operational demands.

Fit-out works incorporated new partitioning and structural supports throughout the building. As hygiene is paramount, Klick installed hygienic wall cladding across all manufacturing areas, along with new lab furniture and flooring throughout both laboratory and production spaces.

Fit Out Transformed JPL’s Laboratory and Technical Centre

The outcome is a future-ready technical centre designed for rapid turnaround times, increased flexibility and highly collaborative customer engagement. The upgraded 75,000 sq ft headquarters now provides JPL with a modern, sustainable and scalable environment to drive continued innovation.

Click here for further details on our laboratory fit out service or you can contact our consultants for help.

PROJECT DETAILS