STEM Solutions LLC., based in Wakefield, MA is a leading provider and installer of laboratory casework, equipment, fume hoods, and fixtures on the East Coast. STEM’s Chief Operating Officer, Cori DiDonato had a chance to interview one of STEM’s key vendor partners, Doug Quirk, from Hanson Lab Solutions for STEM’s latest product highlight.
Cori DiDonato: I am happy to introduce Doug Quirk, Director of Sales, from Hanson Lab Solutions. Hanson is a leading manufacturer of fume hoods and laboratory casework which includes cabinets, workbenches, shelving, and other furniture elements we at STEM use in our lab fit out projects across the East Coast. Doug, when we’ve talked about our various projects, you often emphasis modularity and flexibility as key components of Hanson’s product lines when recommending solutions. Can you describe why this is so important?
Doug Quirk: Adaptable furniture systems are designed to be flexible, allowing components to be easily rearranged or added as needs change. As your research evolves, you may need to integrate new equipment, such as larger or specialized instruments. Hanson’s M-Series line of adaptable workstations allow you to add or remove cabinets, shelves, and other storage elements without significant disruption to your lab layout to easily accommodate any new equipment.
Hanson’s M-Series workbenches can be expanded or reconfigured to accommodate different tasks or equipment as research demands shift. All of our adaptable furniture systems are also height adjustable.
Cori DiDonato: How does Hanson’s product line help plan for unknown future space and workflow requirements?
Doug Quirk: When we design our products, we consider the range of activities that a lab will support—whether it’s research, testing, or production. In addition to the modular aspect of our M-Series line, we offer mobile workbenches, cabinets, and equipment benches via our Agility Mobile line. These are heavy duty benches on castors, so users can easily move a bench without removing the equipment such as HPLC units or other heavy items.
We also future-proof our M-Series benches to accommodate future equipment upgrades. For instance, if you are a start-up, or on a tight budget, we have a basic M-Series bench with minimal power. If you grow and find that you need some additional power or gas services, you can add these later to the same bench, at a minimal cost. This eliminates the need to buy a new bench or spend more money on construction costs. We have built-in pathways and designated spaces for utility connections for when you need them.
Cori DiDonato: How do you plan for changing collaboration needs as teams grow?
Doug Quirk: If your research or processes become more collaborative over time or your team will likely add additional lab staff, plan for shared workspaces, group meeting areas, and collaborative conditions. Our single sided benches set back-to-back, or double-sided benches work well for this. These can accommodate multiple team members with plenty of space to move freely around the lab. As I mentioned, all of our M-Series benches are height adjustable allowing for sitting or standing working conditions.
Cori DiDonato: What about increased storage needs as the lab grows?
Doug Quirk: Our mobile cabinets allow you to rearrange the lab as necessary without being constrained by static casework. They can also be added later as our benches and tables have enough clearance under them to fit them later, as needed.
Hanson also offers specialized storage options in labs that require controlled environments, such as cold storage or hazardous material containment, you can add specialized casework that integrate seamlessly with the rest of your system.
Cori DiDonato: What is a key takeaway you want to leave our audience with based on your experience with lab design and renovation efforts?
Doug Quirk: As a lab evolves, so will the needs of those using it. It’s important to involve lab users in the initial design process and in any redesign efforts to ensure that the casework will suit both their current and future requirements. When clients partner with STEM Solutions LLC and Hanson Lab Solutions, they get to tap into our combined years of experience and combined knowledge of labs of all sizes and stages. We can offer cost conscious solutions and recommend various options. We continuously incorporate end user feedback and changing research needs into our ever-evolving product designs.
With AI and other technology rapidly advancing, lab benches will need more power and data. Properly designed adaptable furniture systems can be field upgraded saving time and money. We are always looking to the future when we design our products.
For all your #labfitouts, call STEM Solutions LLC, (617) 826-6111 and tap into the expertise to build today’s lab with the confidence that it will meet tomorrow’s needs.
Gases on the Hanson M Series Bench can be easily switched for power outlets as lab needs change. | Hanson provides a variety of storage base cabinets, including vacuum pump cabinets for fume hoods. | Collaborative work stations can easily be created with moveable Hanson M Series benches. |