Genzyme Expands its Research and Manufacturing Presence in Massachusetts

Starts Construction of State-of-the-Art Science Building in Framingham

07-Oct-2005

Genzyme Corp. announced the start of construction on an innovative new science building that is a signature component of a $210 million investment the company is making in its Massachusetts research and manufacturing operations. This includes the construction of a new research facility in Waltham and a major expansion of the company's flagship protein manufacturing facility in Allston.

The new building will incorporate innovative design strategies similar to those in the company's landmark headquarters, Genzyme Center. The 177,000 square foot building, which is scheduled to open in early 2007, will feature an environmentally responsible and employee-friendly design. It will house early stage scientific research and bring together many Genzyme scientists. Offices and labs will be connected by open meeting spaces around the six-story building's central atrium. Researchers who work in related areas will be grouped together, and their offices will be separated by glass walls and sliding glass doors.

As part of this project, Genzyme is participating in the Labs21 program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The goal of the program is to improve the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories. The building's green features include a sophisticated heating and cooling system, high-efficiency fume hoods for researchers, low-flow water fixtures and plantings that require minimal watering. The extensive use of glass will reduce electricity needs by allowing a large amount of natural light inside.

When the Framingham science building opens in early 2007, about 245 employees will occupy the first four floors. Some research teams located in other sites in Framingham will move into the new building and those sites will be re-utilized for other R&D groups. To allow room for later growth, the fifth and sixth floors will be left undeveloped initially, with the exception of a cafeteria on the sixth. When all six floors are full, the building will hold approximately 350 employees and serve the science organization's Massachusetts laboratory needs through 2010.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/49408/genzyme-expands-its-research-and-manufacturing-presence-in-massachusetts.html