Update: LIFE’s cleanroom arrives in Germany following shipping delays

Lifecare (LIFE), a clinical-stage medical sensor company, has disclosed that its purchase order for a cleanroom has arrived in Germany following a delay.

The announcement came through a stock exchange announcement that is following the creation of a site for LIFE to develop its next-generation Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

The update follows the Norway-based company’s announcement that it placed a purchase order for this cleanroom in March.

The shipment of the cleanroom was delayed to Hamburg due to disturbances to the sea trade routes through the Middle East and Africa.

Consequently, LIFE had to reschedule the installation of the cleanroom to late July and early August.

The Norway-based company is now aiming to launch the Pilot Production Site within the new timeframe of Q3 2024.

The importance of cleanroom

Cleanrooms are always required where the airborne particles will likely contaminate the final product.

Lifecare’s cleanroom holds an ISO Class 7 standard, which will ensure that the airborne particles are maintained at a very low concentration to not interfere with crucial functions of sensor components during sensor manufacturing.

The sensor components for the CGM consist of micro and nano technologies sensitive to particles. The airborne particles could potentially impact the functionality of the sensor by blocking the nanofiltration layers and subsequent flow of the substances in and out of sensor cavities.

Otect launches N310, a first of its kind cleanroom glove system

Otect, the cleanroom consumables manufacturer, is on a mission to redefine cleanroom safety with its latest product, the N310, a cleanroom glove system.

“Otect N310 is the first of its kind in the cleanroom industry that offers cross-contamination and bioburden reductions, logistics savings and lower transportation carbon emissions,” James Sira, Director of Otect, said.

It is widely agreed that the most significant source of contamination in cleanrooms is people’s handling of gloves in the gowning areas. So, despite the use of gloves, accidental contamination via the hands of personnel remains a risk for many industries where the highest levels of cleanliness are necessary.

Otect’s SafeDon cuff-first dispensing technology was launched in 2012. After 3 years of research and development, Otect managed to successfully apply the packing technology to cleanroom gloves, launching N310 Cleanroom Glove System this year.

Elis enters Malaysian cleanroom consumables market with acquisition

Elis, the international multi-service provider for cleanroom, workwear, hygiene and facility services solutions, has announced the 100% acquisition of the Wonway Company in Malaysia servicing the cleanroom sector.

Founded in 1984, Wonway provides reusable garments services for cleanrooms to mainly international groups operating in semiconductors, medical devices and chemicals industries.

The group employs around 200 employees and can address the entire Malaysian territory thanks to 3 specialised laundries.

These three laundries are located in the regions of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca.

In 2023, Wonway delivered revenue close to 29 million ringgits ($6.1m).

“By adding Wonway to the Elis Cleanroom group we meet the demand of our international customer portfolio of being present in APAC and foster the Elis strategy of being a Global cleanroom service provider of reusable, launderable cleanroom products,” Elis stated. “We welcome an exchange of ideas and expertise with their addition to the Elis Cleanroom group.”

As a contamination control partner, Elis Cleanroom now has a presence in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Elis Cleanroom solutions include the rental of reusable garments, cleaning systems, mats, goggles, footwear, autoclavable bags, and covers for equipment all to be monitored with the Elis Connect management system.

AM Technical Solutions expands in Malaysia to support semiconductor cleanroom builds

US-based AM Technical Solutions is investing significantly in semiconductor markets throughout Asia.

The company has recently announced expansion plans in India, and is now expanding its presence in Malaysia.

The expanded presence in Malaysia will be in the form of a new office in Penang, Malaysia. “[This] will enable us to support our semiconductor customers by providing the specific resources they need to support capital projects,” the company stated.

“Additionally, we are helping the local contractors on the ground in Malaysia understand our customers’ needs to ensure project requirements are satisfied on tight timelines,” the company added.

The Malaysian market

Malaysia’s semiconductor boom is centred in the northern state of Penang.

With semiconductor projects being AM’s core business they stand to be able to help both new facilities and expansion projects. For example,

“For example, we are currently supporting a backend facility in Kulim, where semiconductor activity is bustling,” the company stated.

“We are primarily focusing on providing commissioning, construction management, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) to validate that projects are completed according to industry requirements through a first-time-right approach,” the statement explained.

“By establishing a new office in Malaysia, we can maintain visibility into each project and provide prompt solutions to resolve any issues.”

“When asked by our customers to support semiconductor projects in Malaysia, we gladly agreed to help,” said Sandeep Davé, Chief Business Officer. “Our proven experience will enable us to build a local pool of talent to support our customers in Malaysia and provide a cost-efficient solution for each project.”