Who Are the Leading Manufacturers of Modular Cleanrooms in North America?

Agility and adaptability are critical in today’s supply chain landscape. Cleanroom manufacturing companies must deal with regulatory changes and logistics disruptions amid technological innovation. Attention to detail is necessary, whether producing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or semiconductors. Here is a guide to the best cleanroom operations across North America.

Research Methodology for Modular Cleanroom Manufacturers

Evaluating the top manufacturers requires a strict methodology. Cleanrooms are a cornerstone when responding to market demands and regulatory changes. Understanding their critical role is essential in future-proofing operations and fostering sustainable growth. Here are seven criteria used to judge companies:

Manufacturing capacityCleanroom manufacturing facilities must deliver solutions at scale and meet high-volume projects.
Production innovationThis criterion measures a manufacturer’s commitment to cleanroom technologies and processes.
Industry certificationsCertifications such as ISO and GMP demonstrate adherence to rigorous industry standards
Customer satisfactionPositive feedback from clients regarding performance and reliability is crucial.
Installation expertiseSuccessful modular cleanroom production depends on precise, efficient installation.
Customization capabilitiesThe manufacturer should be able to tailor solutions to client requirements, whether environmental controls or specialized layouts.
Market presenceMarket presence indicates the reputation and influence among North American cleanroom manufacturers.

Industry Overview: The Modular Cleanroom Manufacturing Landscape

Modular Cleanroom in Manufacturing industry

Image: Starrco.

Economic experts estimate a $7.69 billion value for the cleanroom technology market as it steadily grows worldwide. Forecasts anticipate a 5.9% compound annual growth rate until 2030, increasing the market volume to $10.82 billion. North American companies led the industry by occupying 39.4% of the revenue share.

The future of cleanroom production may be challenging due to supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. Sourcing specialized materials amid global volatility could be difficult for some companies, emphasizing the need to balance capital investment and operational efficiency. External factors affect internal production, leading to innovations like modular building.

However, the cleanroom industry is growing, thanks to automation and digitization. Robotics and automated material handling systems can reduce labor costs and contamination risks. Manufacturers are equipping machinery with IoT-enabled sensors, cloud-based monitoring and digital twins to optimize processes. Cleanroom companies also use high-performance polymers and smart filtration systems to enhance performance.

Best North American Modular Cleanroom Manufacturers

Modular cleanrooms are emerging as a strategic solution for modern production environments. Advanced production capabilities have empowered manufacturers to thrive. Here are the five best cleanroom manufacturing companies on the continent.

1. Best Overall: Starrco

Modular Cleanroom by Starrco

Starrco has become the premier cleanroom manufacturer since its 1965 founding. The Missouri company produces superior pre-engineered modular facilities with efficiency principles. Clients benefit from wall systems with high-performance panels and sound control. They choose various floorings, including vinyl composition tile and seamless vinyl.

Customers can expect a completed project in as few as three days. Starrco prides itself on completing projects in 25% of the time that traditional construction requires. Each cleanroom includes ISO certification to ensure high industry standards are met. Top brands like Whirlpool, Toyota and Amazon trust Starrco for cleanroom production due to its comprehensive coverage.

Why should you work with Starrco infographic
Key manufacturing specifications and capabilities
ISO 14644-1
HP panels with sound control
Modular flooring with tight seals
Air filtration systems to prevent contamination
120/240-volt single-phase panel

Customer testimonials

Starrco customer testimonials

2. Best for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: AES Clean Technology

AES Clean Technology emphasizes precise manufacturing and innovation in its processes. The company offers pharmaceutical-grade modular cleanrooms, adhering to the biopharma industry’s challenging demands. It features R&D suites and compliant facilities with fully built cGMP capabilities. It can meet your deadlines and scale to your needs.

AES Clean Technology specializes in building rooms for cell and gene therapy. These facilities include pressure cascading, flexible layouts and aseptic processing zones to optimize production. They meet industry standards and help you foster controlled environments for employees. Other AES cleanrooms include vaccine production, clinical manufacturing and mRNA therapies.

Key features:

  • Pharmaceutical-grade cleanrooms
  • GMP and ISO compliance
  • Unified system of components
  • AES Series 2000 and 3000 pods

Customer testimonial

3. Best for Semiconductor Applications: Mecart Cleanrooms

Mecart Cleanrooms is among the best modular cleanroom manufacturers for its semiconductor capabilities. The in-house experts understand supply chain challenges and implement fast and precise production to match your specs. This South Carolina company integrates strict environmental controls to protect equipment from deficiencies. Meanwhile, it maximizes space and enables future reconfiguration.

Mecart’s cleanroom production implements UV-filtered light and airtightness. Depending on your specifications, it can comply with electrostatic charge or discharge needs. For over 40 years, the company has delivered quality products for semiconductor facilities and other applications. Mecart incorporates a unique hook and seal system to reduce costs and make adjustments more manageable.

Key features:

  • ESD-compatible galvanized steel panels
  • Airtight facilities
  • UV-filtered light
  • Proprietary hook and seal system

Customer testimonial

Mecart Cleanrooms customer testimonials

4. Best for Rapid Deployment: Allied Cleanrooms

Allied Cleanroomsprovides turnkey solutions tailored to your specifications. It builds cleanrooms between ISO 4 and ISO 8 for environmental test chambers, pharmaceutical storage rooms and biosafety laboratories. Its facilities efficiently produce cleanrooms through precise construction and ship quickly nationwide. Plants in California, Texas and Tennessee ensure fast delivery.

Allied Cleanrooms produces these sterile chambers at its three manufacturing facilities before assembling them at your preferred location. This strategy is faster than most traditional construction methods. Customers can request customizations like anterooms, doors and windows. Other configurations include air handling systems, lighting and gowning areas.

Key features:

  • ISO 4-8
  • Rapid production and assembly
  • HEPA/ULPA filtration
  • Expandable designs

Customer testimonial

Allied Cleanrooms customer testimonials

5. Best Budget-Friendly Option: KTEC Cleanrooms

KTEC Cleanrooms has been one of North America’s best modular cleanroom manufacturers for 25 years. The Texas company prioritizes meeting your timeline and budget with well-functioning products. It uses a value engineering approach that provides numerous DI water or compressed air options. Customers can find cost-effective solutions through its innovative designs. 

KTEC Cleanrooms offers budget-friendly solutions, such as the SingleWall Cleanroom design. This setup is functional while providing cleanability and a solid appearance. The most cost-effective option is the Softwall Cleanroom, including less stringent temperature and humidity requirements. You can easily relocate, expand and upgrade these rooms when needed.  

Key features:

  • Compliant to regulatory standards and guidelines (ISO 7 or better)
  • Multiple cost-effective options
  • True turnkey service
  • Cleanroom installation across North America

Customer testimonial

KTEC Cleanrooms customer testimonials

Comparison Table of the Leading Modular Cleanroom Manufacturers

ManufacturerStarrcoAES Clean TechnologyMecart CleanroomsAllied CleanroomsKTEC Cleanrooms
Manufacturing locationMissouriGeorgiaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexas
Lead times3 daysn/an/aWithin days or weeksn/a
ISO certificationsISO 14644-1ISO 14644-1ISO 9001, 13485ISO 14644-1n/a
Cleanroom classificationsn/an/aClass 100-100,000Class 10-100,000ISO 7 or better
Customization capabilitiesBreak rooms, engineering labs and conference roomsHP windows and doors, LED lightingExpandable, customizable HVAC, adjustable layoutFiltration, air pressure, temperature, humidityCleanroom compatible wallskins, variable wall depth
Key manufacturing strengthsPre-engineered solutions, tight tolerance and Industry 4.0 sensorsMaterial waste reduction, precision airflowHook and seal system, galvanized steel panelscGMP standards, Supply Air Modules with HEPA/ULPA filtersNegative plenum design, non-progressive design

Buyers Guide: Selecting the Right Manufacturer

Starrco cleanroom manufacturer

Image: Starrco.

Choosing the right cleanroom manufacturer is essential to meeting stringent standards and getting the most from investments. Here are five key factors buyers must consider in their selection:

Key questionsCustomers should consider the manufacturer’s specialty, whether pharma or biotech.
Manufacturing capabilitiesEvaluate their in-house design capabilities, material sourcing and quality control.
Certifications and standardsAsk for their certifications, such as ISO 14644 and GMP.
Production capacityReview their typical output and ability to handle large projects.
Visiting facilitiesRequest a facility tour for firsthand observations and quality assessments.

Prioritizing the Best Modular Cleanroom Manufacturers in North America

Starrco cleanroom manufacturer

Image: Starrco.

The top manufacturers demonstrate their abilities to scale projects, comply with regulations and find innovative solutions. Before selecting a cleanroom producer, assess their capacity, customization options and expertise. The right partnership is vital to empowering your organization and leading manufacturing innovation. As innovation continues, industry professionals can expect higher demand for flexible, compliant, high-quality cleanrooms.