Westlab is an innovative Australian manufacturer specialising in laboratory and industrial workspace solutions in aluminium
Westlab has a strong focus on modular, scalable, and technically advanced systems, maintaining a long-standing relationship with Capral, Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of aluminium products. The company prides itself on responsibly sourcing locally extruded aluminium for its products, continually pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in everything it undertakes.
Recent innovations from the Westlab team, such as the Modulab© Connect System, provide flexible and high-performance solutions for scientific, pharmaceutical, and educational applications.
“We’re always looking to improve and standardise our systems globally,” said Russell Grace, Director at Westlab. “Our Modulab Connect System has customised all the profiles to facilitate adaptability, ensuring high performance and compliance with rigorous industry standards, including PC2 and PC3 certification for biocontainment laboratories.”
Aluminium is one of the key materials used in the construction of Westlab’s laboratory and furniture products. It offers numerous advantages, such as strength, lightweight properties, high-quality finishes, and formability. This versatility enables the creation of custom fastening and construction systems. Capral extrudes a variety of custom aluminium profiles for Westlab, enhancing the efficient solutions for which the company is renowned.
“We specialise in designing systems that set new industry standards—featuring seamless surfaces that significantly reduce the need for post-installation caulking, along with innovative engineering that outperforms both traditional lab systems and imported alternatives,” said Grace. “Unlike conventional designs with exposed fixtures and difficult-to-certify gaps and grooves, our systems provide superior performance through clean, modern design and meticulous attention to certification requirements.”
Recognising the value of intellectual property, Westlab ensures its designs are protected through registered trademarks and patents both in Australia and internationally. This commitment safeguards its proprietary innovations while reinforcing its reputation as a leader in technically advanced, high-performance solutions for scientific, pharmaceutical, and educational environments.
Recently, Westlab has made a significant shift towards Capral’s LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium. This change underscores Westlab’s commitment to responsible material sourcing, local manufacturing, and technical innovation, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in laboratory and industrial fit-out solutions.
Westlab’s transition to LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium is a strategic move to address the growing demand for sustainable building materials. As architects and specifiers increasingly seek solutions that align with carbon reduction goals, Westlab recognises the importance of material stewardship.
“A lot of our products are aluminium-based, and historically, aluminium production has been energy-intensive,” explained Grace. “Architects frequently ask us about our carbon footprint, and now we have a clear answer—our materials are locally sourced and produced using Capral’s LocAl lower-carbon aluminium.”
Capral’s LocAl range offers significant benefits. Aluminium extruded in Australia has a lower carbon footprint compared to standard primary aluminium. By incorporating LocAl Green (8kg CO2e/kg Al) and LocAl Super Green (4kg CO2e/kg Al)* into its product line, Westlab is actively promoting sustainability.
The transition to local aluminium has provided Westlab with a competitive advantage in the market, especially in securing projects within the education, healthcare, and research sectors. The company has already delivered cutting-edge laboratory solutions to institutions such as Flinders University, Deakin University, the University of Newcastle, and Royal Melbourne Hospital. These projects showcase Westlab’s capability to offer innovative, compliant, and aesthetically superior solutions.
“The move to LocAl aluminium is another way we’re staying ahead of the curve, offering architects and clients a more responsible choice,” Grace added.
“We want our customers to recognise the impact of their choices,” Grace explained. “When they specify Westlab, they choose a company that prioritises sustainability, Australian manufacturing, and product excellence.”
Westlab’s move to Capral’s LocAl aluminium is just the beginning. The company continues to explore new ways to reduce its carbon footprint, enhance supply chain transparency, and set benchmarks for sustainable laboratory design. Integrating sustainable materials will remain a key differentiator as it scales its Modular Connect System globally.
“We’re committed to ongoing innovation,” said Grace. “By working with Capral and investing in responsible material choices, we’re shaping a future where sustainability and technical excellence go hand in hand.”
Westlab’s journey exemplifies the power of local partnerships and industry leadership in driving sustainability forward. Through strategic material choices, cutting-edge design, and a steadfast commitment to Australian manufacturing, Westlab is paving the way for a more responsible and resilient future in laboratory and industrial solutions.
* CO2e emissions reported are ex-smelter, measured in kilograms emitted per kilogram of aluminium produced – Aluminium Smelting and Casting.