Industry News

Alpla Caribe Inc., an international container manufacturing firm, is building a plastic bottle blow molding plant in McDonough, Ga.  The 100,000-sf manufacturing facility will also house headquarters for the company's American operations. On 16 acres near Midland Industrial Park, the building being developed by Pattillo Construction Co. is slated for completion in October and will open later in the year.

Krispy Kreme, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., is expanding with a new mix and distribution center in Effingham, Ill. The $30 million facility will total 187,000 sf, with 116,000 sf allocated for distribution space and 47,000 sf of blending and packing space. In addition to 180 stores spread throughout 22 states, Krispy Kreme is considering expansion overseas in Asia and Europe.

Astrolink International LLC is planning a new 80,000-sf telecommunications Network Operations Center at the Innovation @ Prince William site in Manassas. Scheduled to begin in August 2001, the $205 million project will function as a global telecommunication network providing state-of-the-art satellite technology. Service will be initiated in the second quarter of 2003.

Abgenix has acquired 72,000-sf of research and development space adjacent to its headquarters in Ardenwood Corporate Park in Fremont. This expansion of Abgenix's R&D space will provide facilities for developing antibody therapeutic products.

The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering has selected Space Plan Interiors as interior designer for its 70-acre Needham campus. Slated for completion in early 2002, four buildings totalling 300,000-sf will be programmed, designed, and furnished by Space Plan Interiors.