Marion, MA South Coast Improvement Co. (SCI) expanded the capabilities of its life sciences division through a partnership with STEM Solutions LLC (STEM). The company specializes in providing casework, systems, fume hoods, fixtures and equipment for commercial and educational laboratories.

STEM’s client list includes such noted institutions as Dana Farber, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Boston’s Children’s Hospital, Johnson & Wales University, Pfizer, AMGEN, Brown University and Concord Academy.

A recent example of South Coast Improvement’s work in this area includes a renovation at the Boston University College of Engineering’s Dunlop Laboratory, 44 Cummings Rd., Boston. The $750,000 project involved demolition of the old HVAC system and an upgrade to a new one, as well as the installation of new air and water filtration systems. The crown jewel of the project featured the creation of two new cleanrooms tailored for genetic testing.

“We formed a life sciences division earlier in the year with the intent of better serving life science companies, specifically those with laboratories,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement. “With STEM on board as our provider of lab equipment, we can now provide one-stop services for life science, bio chem, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as universities, hospitals and any other facility with a lab.”

“In addition to having a synergy with the type of project we do, we have done work for many of the institutions on their client list as well,” said Quinlan. “About 85% of our workload is repeat business. With STEM as a partner, we feel even better about sustaining that level—maybe even increasing it.”

“South Coast Improvement has a very good reputation in the industry for their quality of work and how they work,” said Jim Broderick, STEM’s co-founder. We’re very happy to form this strategic relationship with a company that complements and extends our own offerings.”