RTP-based Sequence joins AMTS to expand life sciences project support
AM Technical Solutions — a global architecture, engineering, construction and commissioning firm for high-tech markets headquartered in Austin, Texas — has acquired engineering consulting firm Sequence Inc., which is based in Research Triangle Park.
The acquisition gives life sciences clients access to a broader range of engineering, commissioning, qualification and workforce training services, with capabilities that can support projects from design through startup and operations. It also brings together AMTS’s global project delivery expertise with Sequence’s specialized life sciences experience.
“Together, AMTS and Sequence provide clients with a continuous lifecycle approach, from strategy, facility design, and engineering through construction support, commissioning, qualification, validation and operational readiness,” said Dave Watrous, CEO of AMTS. “Rather than managing multiple disconnected service providers, clients gain a single, integrated partner focused on accelerating project delivery while reducing risk.”
Watrous says that Sequence stood out because of its outstanding technical reputation, highly experienced people, and longstanding relationships within the life sciences industry. The company also shares AMTS’s values and client-focused approach.
“By adding Sequence, AMTS strengthens its presence in one of the industry's fastest-growing regions,” said Watrous. “North Carolina’s continued investment, exceptional workforce, strong university system and growing concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers make it an important market for both current and future clients.”
Easing the path to manufacturing
Life sciences manufacturers are under increasing pressure to bring new therapies to market faster while meeting stringent quality and regulatory requirements. At the same time, facilities are becoming more technologically complex, project timelines are getting shorter, and companies are often expanding manufacturing while simultaneously adjusting to changing regulations.
All of this requires teams across engineering, automation, manufacturing, quality and regulatory functions to work closely together.
“By combining Sequence’s capabilities in process engineering, CQV, automation and operational readiness with AMTS's engineering, design, construction management and technical consulting services, clients will benefit from greater continuity throughout project execution,” said Watrous. “Potential issues can be identified earlier, design decisions are made with startup and validation in mind, and project teams maintain alignment from concept through commercial operation.”
He adds that bringing these capabilities together can help teams identify and address issues earlier, reduce delays and support a smoother transition to manufacturing.
Workforce development
Mike Putnam, CEO of Sequence, says the company will continue operating under its existing brand, with the same leadership team, culture and focus on technical expertise. The merger allows Sequence to take on larger projects and work in more locations.
One important part of the integration is Sequence’s mock pharmaceutical training facility in RTP. It simulates a real manufacturing environment, giving engineers hands-on experience with pharmaceutical processes and good manufacturing practices (GMP). It also provides a way to train engineers with practical skills they can use on client projects.
“With the unprecedented growth that North Carolina continues to experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, one of the industry's greatest challenges is developing experienced technical talent quickly enough to support that growth,” said Putnam. “We’ve also seen an explosion of growth and active opportunity to support and partner with end-user client organizations to support training needs for their manufacturing operators as they step onto an active production floor.”
Putnam notes that, together with AMTS, they see significant opportunities to expand workforce development initiatives and strengthen partnerships with universities, community colleges, industry organizations and workforce development agencies throughout NC and beyond that will help prepare professionals for modern pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
“Investing in workforce development ultimately benefits the entire life sciences ecosystem by helping companies reduce onboarding time, improve operational readiness, and build a stronger pipeline of highly skilled talent for NC and beyond,” said Putnam.
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