Persimmon Technologies Corporation has completed a new headquarters and robotics manufacturing facility featuring 17,800 sqft of ISO Class 6 and ISO Class 7 cleanrooms in Bedford, Massachusetts, US.
The 142,000 sqft interior fit-out at 35 Crosby Drive consolidates the company's research and development (R&D), parts manufacturing, robot assembly and warehousing operations under one roof.
General contractor BW Kennedy & Co. delivered the fit-out alongside the renovation of the wider building, providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection (MEP/FP) design-build services.
The project was completed $1m under budget and ahead of schedule, according to BW Kennedy.
The three-storey building dates to 1967 and required structural upgrades and building services improvements to accommodate the new facility.
BW Kennedy began work in July 2024, with the original programme targeting completion in autumn 2025.
Cleanroom and laboratory facilities
The project includes engineering and specialist laboratories, as well as a dedicated R&D spray lab equipped with its own heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and dust collection systems.
The fit-out also incorporates extensive mechanical and electrical services to support the cleanroom environments.
During construction, BW Kennedy documented the installation of cleanroom wall panels, ceiling grids and associated air-handling equipment as part of the coordinated building services works.
The facility includes a reliability demonstration lab and a client conference area, with a dedicated visitor route through the building to showcase the company's robotic systems.
Persimmon Technologies develops vacuum robotics and electric motor technologies for equipment used in semiconductor, LED and flat-panel display manufacturing.
The new headquarters brings previously distributed R&D, manufacturing and assembly operations together at one site.
Project team
BW Kennedy & Co. was the general contractor, with Perkins&Will as architect and Simpson Gumpertz & Heger as structural engineer.
Filter Sales and Service was named as the cleanroom contractor.
Environmental Systems provided HVAC services, North Shore Mechanical Contractors handled plumbing, and Nappa Electrical Contractors was responsible for electrical work.
Impact Fire Services provided fire protection services.
The project also involved Facility Planning & Management, Inc., as owner's consultant, and C.J. Shaughnessy Crane Service for rigging.
Persimmon's Bedford facility now houses its headquarters, engineering and reliability laboratories, warehousing and cleanroom manufacturing operations.
