Relocation of the Montpellier Hospital Biology Laboratories to a Single Site

Relocation of all biology laboratories of the CHU Montpellier: a logistical challenge led by Bovis Transferts and carried out by Transmanudem and Bovis Occitanie

The BOVIS Group has recently completed one of the largest biology center relocation projects in France: the transfer of all the CHU Montpellier laboratories to the new Single Biology Site (SUB). This ambitious consolidation project, covering 15,000 m² over 7 floors, brought together 19 laboratories previously spread across multiple CHU sites (Arnaud de Villeneuve, Gui-de-Chauliac, La Colombière, Saint Eloi, Lapeyronnie, IURC).

A large-scale hospital relocation project

Carried out between September 2024 and February 2025, the operation was divided into two main phases. It involved the relocation of over 148 laboratory analyzers, 77 Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSC), and more than 800 refrigerated units. A true technical and organizational challenge, requiring meticulous coordination, precision, and high-level logistics expertise.

Bovis Transferts, the BOVIS Group’s specialist division for complex project management, oversaw the Scheduling, Management and Coordination (OPC) of the entire relocation. This Project Management Assistance (PMA) mission was key to ensuring the continuity of critical activities, especially those linked to the rapid emergency response platform.

Bovis Transmanudem at the forefront of operations

The Transmanudem agency was responsible for the hands-on execution of most of the relocations, mobilizing multiple teams daily on-site, with support from Bovis Occitanie to ensure a smooth and continuous operation.

The scheduling required the coordination of 38 equipment manufacturers to respect deadlines for preparation, disassembly, reinstallation, restart, and qualification of the devices.

• Among the most specific interventions:
• Transfer of BSL-3 (biosafety level 3) areas in bacteriology
• Synchronization of routine activities linked to the Rapid Emergency Response Platform (PURR) with the transition from DxLab to GLIMS software
• Coordination of the decontamination and requalification of 77 MSCs
• Handling of hundreds of sensitive pieces of equipment (flow cytometers, DNA sequencers, molecular biology analyzers, cryo storage tanks, etc.)

Specific protocols were implemented to maintain the cold chain, ensure sample integrity, and secure the continuity of biological analyses throughout the transition.

Acknowledgement from the CHU Montpellier

In an official letter addressed to the BOVIS Group, the CHU Montpellier praised the “efficiency, availability, and diligence” of the teams involved, emphasizing a flawlessly executed project that ensured uninterrupted service delivery in a spirit of exemplary collaboration.

The expertise of BOVIS Group’s Medical & Laboratory Division

A specialist in high-tech hospital projects, the Medical & Laboratory Division of the BOVIS Group manages over 20 full laboratory relocations each year. Whether for biomedical equipment, furniture, sterile zones or automated laboratory lines, our experts deliver turnkey services: constraint analysis, logistics flow planning, decontamination, cold chain management, manufacturer coordination, and equipment commissioning.

With 302,000 m² of storage capacity, 850 vehicles, and 40 agencies across France and Europe, we support public hospitals, university hospitals, private labs, and industrial facilities with their most critical projects. Our client portfolio includes the largest healthcare institutions in France.

Bovis Transferts: recognized expertise in turnkey relocations

Bovis Transferts is the BOVIS Group’s expert unit dedicated to managing complex relocation projects. Specializing in OPC, transfer engineering and project management, the division leads large-scale operations nationwide across the healthcare, scientific, administrative and industrial sectors.

Our proven methodology includes: site audits, inventories, space planning, detailed scheduling, management of new equipment, and full traceability and data security. Whether dealing with sensitive equipment, furniture, medical records or IT systems, our project managers ensure every phase runs smoothly, on time, and with the highest quality standards.

Interested in learning more about our hospital and laboratory relocation solutions?
Hospital Relocation Unit: +33 (0)4 72 70 19 95 | cellulech@bovis.fr