Genzyme expands its research and manufacturing presence in Massachusetts

US-based biotechnology group Genzyme has started construction on a new science building, which forms part of a $210m investment slated for its Massachusetts research and manufacturing operations. This investment includes the construction of a research facility in Waltham and of the company's flagship protein manufacturing facility in Allston.

The 177,000 sq ft building in Framingham, Massachusetts is scheduled to open in early 2007 and will house early stage scientific research. About 245 employees will occupy the first four floors, including some research teams currently located in other sites in Framingham. The fifth and sixth floors will be left undeveloped to allow for later growth.

The architect for the project is ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, the engineer is Bard, Rao & Athanas Consulting Engineers and the contractor is Bovis Lend Lease LMB. The total cost is estimated to be $124m.

Genzyme is also building a new research facility in Waltham, and expanding its existing facility there to consolidate all research activity on small-molecule and polymer drugs. This expansion, at a total cost of $33.5m, will allow the site to grow from 150 employees today to 275 over the next five years.

The company is in the process of completing a $53m expansion within its Allston Landing cell-culture manufacturing facility, which will increase manufacturing capacity at the site by 50% and allow for cell-culture and purification of three products simultaneously. The company plans to build a 1.5 megawatt cogeneration plant at Allston, which will produce 100% of the facility's steam needs and 75% of its electricity needs. Construction will begin in August 2006 and will be completed by the end of 2008.