Buy lab containers – lasting laboratory space as a capital asset
You purchase a turnkey lab container as a capital asset — from an analytical laboratory to BSL-3 and GMP cleanroom, operational in 8 to 14 weeks. Economical from around 48 months of use. We calculate the quotation individually.
What you get when you buy a lab container
You acquire an operational, permanently usable laboratory that belongs to you. From order to operational handover we allow 8 to 14 weeks — conventional laboratory new-build often needs 24 months and more for comparable laboratories. Modifications follow your specifications, without consulting a lessor.
Purchase creates a balance-sheet asset and is written down via tax depreciation (AfA) over 10 to 15 years. High-quality units last 15 to 20 years. Maintenance and insurance sit with you on a purchase — as a running item, maintenance costs of two to four per cent of acquisition value per year are typical.
When purchase pays off
Calculate the break-even
Rule of thumb: purchase price divided by monthly hire gives the break-even period of use in months. In practice this break-even typically sits at around four years. If your planned period of use is longer, purchase is more economical.
The decision zones
Up to around 24 months hire is usually superior; between around 24 and 48 months hire-purchase becomes interesting; from around 48 months purchase pays off. Over five years and with stable, unchanged requirements, purchase is clearly the right choice.
Equipment options
On a purchase you plan specialist requirements in from the start. The Planexus LABtoGO provides 2,750 mm room height — space for full fume cupboards and large HPLC systems, where standard office containers at around 2.40 m reach their limits. High-end insulation achieves a U-value of 0.20 W/m²K.
HVAC: Temperature stability ±2 °C. At high containment levels, HVAC accounts for 30 to 40 per cent of total cost.
Fume cupboard & filtration: Negative pressure at BSL-2, HEPA filters at BSL-3, filter changes every 12 to 24 months.
Cleanroom: up to Class C and D to EU GMP Annex 1, optionally ISO Classes 5 to 8 to ISO 14644-1.
Electrical: 400 V connection, emergency lighting, residual-current devices, Smart Lab-ready for LIMS and ELN.
Containment levels
We deliver purchase laboratories across the full spectrum — from straightforward analytics to high-containment laboratories. We clarify the appropriate level in the needs analysis.
Analytics & quality control
HPLC, GC and spectrometry workstations, vibration-isolated weighing tables, uninterruptible power supply.
BSL-2 & BSL-3
Containment laboratories with negative-pressure cascades, redundant HEPA filtration, airlock and autoclave. Conformant with BioStoffV, GenTG, TRBA 100.
GMP cleanroom
Cleanrooms up to Class C and D to EU GMP Annex 1, optionally ISO Classes 5 to 8 to ISO 14644-1, with IQ/OQ/PQ-capable documentation.
ATEX & special fit-out
Explosion-protected versions and individual special configurations for permanent works expansions.
Process through to handover
Needs clarification
In a 30- to 60-minute call we clarify application, containment level, module size, siting location and connection conditions.
Site analysis (optional)
For complex siting locations we review the situation — often remotely via photograph and site plan.
Quotation & calculation
A first written indication is available within 48 hours; the fully developed quotation within 3 to 7 working days after needs clarification.
Manufacture, delivery & handover
Turnkey projects are handed over operational in 8 to 14 weeks. Siting by mobile crane, then acceptance and commissioning.
Frequently asked questions on buying a lab container
What does it cost to buy a lab container?
Buy or rent a lab container – when does purchase pay off?
How is a purchased lab container capitalised?
Can I resell a purchased lab container later?
Purchase quotation for your lab-container project
Send us your specification or describe your requirements. We prepare a first written indication within 48 hours — no obligation, no hidden costs.