New England Biolabs Canada is a life sciences company that develops, produces, and supplies research reagents used in genome sequencing, DNA and RNA research, and so much more. Proud to be “created by scientists, for scientists,” the life sciences company turns fifty years old this year (2024). Happy birthday, New England Biolabs!

New England Biolabs Canada recognized that they didn’t turn fifty every day. They wanted to find a way to celebrate this event with the employees that helped make such a milestone possible. Ideally, they hoped to give their team personalized and thoughtful gift that spoke of what they do and to the New England Biolabs’ brand, while also being something fun that would put a grin on their scientists’ faces.

New England Biolabs commissioned Playwell Bricks to create a very special, signature edition Research Lab set to celebrate “50 Years of Passion for Science.” They asked for this lab to be stocked with New England Biolabs’ products and bestsellers and, of course, to have a minifig scientist complete with lab coat on the job.

Playwell Bricks CEO Jason Pyett, who has done Everything™, dug deep into his own time studying in a lab to recreate this remarkable custom set for New England Biolabs. The Playwell Bricks graphic design had the New England Biolabs branding, the packaging for the Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kits, as well as related covers from New England Biolabs literature printed directly onto the bricks (as opposed to stickers). These details give the research lab model an authentic feel and ground the kit in the New England Biolabs’ brand.

After full approvals were given, 150 of these custom Playwell Bricks were shipped to New England Biolabs Canada. 10 of these sets were used as prizes in New England Biolabs’ Golden Butterfly hunt as part of their 50th birthday celebrations. Happy building to all the winners!