University of Minneapolis Microbial Facility

The new MCPF will strengthen U.S. nonmedical bio-industrial research and manufacturing as the future home of the University’s Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC). After nearly 35 years of producing microbial cells for academia and industry, BRC is expanding its capabilities with a modern facility designed to support cell production, R&D, consulting, and training services.

For a project of this scale and technical complexity, the doors, frames, and hardware package had to do more than secure openings. It had to support the building’s cleanroom performance, containment strategy, code compliance, and operational flow from day one.

The Challenge

This project operated on an aggressive 18-month total schedule, with doors and access solutions sitting directly on the critical path for containment and CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation).

In a biotech environment, opening systems must perform as part of the controlled envelope. The team needed solutions that could:

• Maintain pressure cascades and cleanroom zoning

• Support airtight, interlocked vestibules

• Meet egress, ADA, and fire/smoke requirements without compromising the clean envelope

• Separate people and material flows through pass-through conditions and autoclave-related transitions

• Provide chemical-resistant, cleanable hardware suitable for specialized environments

• Accommodate flush thresholds to support accessibility, movement of equipment, and cleanability

This required close coordination between life safety, accessibility, and containment performance—without slowing the project down.

Solutions

TCH supported the facility with a coordinated opening package designed for performance in a highly controlled research and manufacturing setting.

Key solutions included:

Allegion hardware suite across openings to provide consistent, reliable performance and integrated access functionality

Hollow metal doors for durability, security, and long-term performance in demanding areas

VT wood doors where design intent and application required a finished architectural appearance

Restroom control kits including automatic operators and electronic locking to support accessibility, controlled access, and user convenience

Collaboration That Delivered Precision, Protection, and Peace of Mind

This project was delivered through a collaboration between Twin City Hardware (TCH) and Knutson Construction

Twin City Hardware (TCH), with headquarters in Oakdale, Minnesota, is a family-owned distributor and integrator of commercial hardware and security systems. Serving sectors like commercial, healthcare, and multifamily, TCH specializes in doors, frames, hardware, access control, and surveillance, offering innovative solutions such as their “Door-in-a-Box” and "pre-install" program. Through nine strategic locations nationwide, TCH combines broad market coverage with deep expertise in both new construction and retrofit projects. They deliver streamlined, high-quality hardware and security solutions that contractors and building owners can rely on.

Knutson Construction is a well-established, employee-owned construction management and general contracting firm with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, complex projects across a range of sectors including healthcare, commercial, education, and government. With roots dating back over a century, the company emphasizes a collaborative, client-focused approach, combining deep industry expertise with innovative building practices to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and with lasting value. Knutson is particularly recognized for its commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and community engagement, positioning itself as a trusted partner throughout the entire project lifecycle—from preconstruction planning through final delivery.