October 31, 2023 (Vernon Hills, Ill.) – PREMIER Design + Build Group announced it will soon break ground on a new headquarters for Heathrow Scientific, a global manufacturer of laboratory supplies and instruments designed to support scientific research, analysis, and experimentation in various fields. The company’s new headquarters will be at 440 North Fairway Drive in Vernon Hills, Ill. The building is being designed to house the company’s manufacturing, laboratory, and office operations.

Founded in 1996, Heathrow Scientific started with just two product offerings and now has a portfolio of more than 900 laboratory items across scientific categories including life sciences, clinical applications, and academic and government research. The company’s product line includes everything from centrifuges and thermometers to tube racks and biohazard containment equipment.

Construction of the two-story, 112,000-square-foot building will get underway following demolition of an existing structure on site. The new building’s interior amenities will include a large laboratory for Heathrow Scientific’s product design and quality control teams, an employee fitness center, and an outdoor dining area. Exterior features will include 12 dock positions, two drive-in doors, and a permeable paver parking area for 63 vehicles. The target completion date is August 2024.

Stefan Olson, the project manager on the PREMIER team, said Heathrow Scientific’s new headquarters won’t be your standard build. “The exterior will have wood veneer with modern glass finishes, along with a canopy feature at the entrance,” he detailed. “We’re excited to be working with Heathrow Scientific to create a mixed-use industrial and office environment where they can continue to innovate and grow.”

Heathrow Scientific places a high value on sustainability, according to Olson, who said PREMIER is actively exploring a number of ‘green’ building elements, including a solar array and hybrid rooftop units that use electricity in lieu of natural gas. “More than ever, clients are turning to us for recommendations and expertise on environmentally responsible building practices,” explained Olson. In addition to Olson, PREMIER’s team on the Heathrow Scientific headquarters includes Tom Johnson as superintendent and Joseph Ahrens, senior vice president/Midwest market leader.

The project kicked off this week with an Oktoberfest-themed groundbreaking celebration with Heathrow employees, the project teams, and a representative from the Village of Vernon Hills in attendance. In a joint effort to make an impactful contribution to the local community, PREMIER Design + Build and Heathrow Scientific announced a donation of $10,000 to the Lake County Haven, a women’s shelter providing assistance to those in need. The check was presented to Kalie Shultz, development coordinator at the Lake County Haven.

“This is the fourth building that I am building in partnership with PREMIER,” said Jim Woldenberg, president of Heathrow Scientific. “On this particular project, Joe Ahrens, Stefan Olson and Tom Johnson are leading the charge, and it really is a team effort – a team I’m proud to be associated with. This will be a wonderful home for us for many years to come.”

PREMIER’s project partners include Cornerstone Architects Ltd. for architectural design and SPACECO, Inc. as civil engineer. Cushman & Wakefield’s Brett Kroner was the sole broker in the sale.

“Jim is a great partner and entrepreneur,” said Joseph Ahrens. “Our PREMIER team has been most fortunate to collaborate with him, and we're thrilled to see his vision for a brand new, state-of-the art headquarters for Heathrow Scientific coming to life.”

About PREMIER Design + Build Group

PREMIER Design + Build Group is a leading design-build construction firm headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill. With a strong track record spanning several decades, PREMIER specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for industrial, commercial, healthcare, residential, retail, and mixed-use construction projects. The company's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

Image credits: PREMIER Design + Build Group