Why localisation determines real-world success
As pharma companies build facilities in multiple countries, they often look to use one global design to move faster.
Speaking at ISPE Europe Annual Conference 2026, Brian Kelleher, Senior Project Architect, advised that a design that works in one region may not work in another. His session looked at how best to adapt a standard facility design for local needs.
This includes regulations, climate, construction methods and infrastructure. The aim is not to build identical sites. It is to deliver the same level of capability across a global network.
“You don’t lose efficiency by tailoring a global model - you protect it. Localisation stops small differences becoming major risks.”
Brian Kelleher
Senior Process Architect
How the model works in practice
To show how this works, Brian shared real examples from different regions. In each case, teams used the same global design as a starting point. They then made small, focused changes to suit local needs. These changes addressed safety rules, environmental factors and how the site would be built. The purpose of the facility did not change. The updates simply made delivery more reliable in each location.
This approach supported Sanofi's MODULUS facilities design in both France and Singapore. Each country has different fire codes, climate risks and infrastructure needs. It also helped the BioNx/NGB facility succeed in New Jersey and Dublin. While utilities, logistics and site limits varied, the design still performed as intended.
“Standardisation gives you a solid base. Localisation gives you accuracy. It’s how you make a design truly work in different countries.”
Brian Kelleher
Senior Process Architect
Why localisation matters for clients
For organisations expanding across regions, localisation is not about changing the design. It is about making the design reliable. When local conditions are addressed early, teams gain:
- clearer expectations and fewer redesign cycles
- stronger alignment with local authorities
- smoother construction and commissioning
- predictable schedules and budgets
- consistent outcomes across all sites
In a global network, this builds confidence. Each facility meets the same operational standard, even if the details are different.
Localisation as a strategic advantage
Ultimately, successful global replication is not about reproducing a facility exactly. It is about reproducing its capabilities - safely, efficiently and in line with local rules and real‑world conditions.
