In Kansas City, Missouri, CRB Group reveals that a life sciences project it delivered has earned the 2026 International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) Category Winner in Social Impact – Unmet Medical Needs.
AstraZeneca’s Rockville Facility Sets New Standards
The honored project is AstraZeneca’s commercial cell therapy manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland. This state-of-the-art plant produces autologous cell therapies tailored for individual patients facing serious, life-threatening conditions. Unlike standard drugs, these personalized treatments cannot be stored or replaced, so uninterrupted production proves critical for successful patient outcomes.
Engineers designed the facility for 100% operational uptime, minimizing risks from power outages or utility disruptions during therapy production. As a fully electrified site, it pursues net-zero operational carbon goals while slashing energy and water consumption. This approach proves that safeguarding patient health and minimizing environmental harm can align seamlessly.
Leadership Insights on Innovation
“Facilities like this one show what’s possible when engineering decisions are guided by patient impact from the very beginning,” states Vahid Ownjazayeri, CEO of CRB Group. “This recognition reflects the trust our client placed in our team and the close collaboration that made it possible to deliver a facility that protects patients, performs without interruption, and raises the standard for how complex life sciences projects are designed.”
CRB’s Comprehensive Project Delivery
CRB handled integrated architecture, engineering, and construction services from initial planning to completion. The team collaborated closely with the client to meet the specific challenges of commercial cell therapy production, including strict regulatory compliance, future adaptability, and robust operational reliability.
About CRB Group
CRB Group leads in sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting for life sciences and food & beverage sectors. Operating from 21 offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe, its experts deliver innovative solutions that foster client success, employee growth, and community benefits. As a privately held firm, CRB maintains a legacy of top-tier technical expertise, creativity, and project execution. Visit crbgroup.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About the ISPE FOYA Program
Launched in 2004, the ISPE Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) celebrate cutting-edge pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical facilities excelling in design, construction, and operations. The program spotlights initiatives that boost product quality, speed high-quality medicine delivery, lower manufacturing risks, and pioneer advanced facility strategies. It serves as a worldwide forum for best practices, new technologies, and key insights in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Explore more at ISPE.org/FOYA.
