Industry News

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated its consolidated research laboratory at the National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa, in April of 2010. The $464 million facility includes the National Animal Disease Center, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and the Center for Veterinary Biologics. The 500,000-sf project provides administrative offices, labs, and animal housing space. Construction was completed in April of 2009.

Ohio State University broke ground in April of 2010 on a $22.2 million biocontainment laboratory in Wooster. The 27,000-sf Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research (PAAR) Facility will house BSL-3 and BSL-3Ag laboratories. The facility will include suites for work on larger animals such as cows and pigs. Completion is expected in summer of 2012.

Advanced BioScience Laboratories is initiating a $10 million expansion of its vivarium in Rockville, Md. The completed project will provide 35,000-sf of animal research and housing space. Scheer Partners is providing site analysis, strategic planning, financing, construction and project management services for the expansion. Additionally, ABL is relocating its headquarters to a three-story, 72,000-sf facility in the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center in Rockville.

Idexx Laboratories initiated a $50 million expansion of its corporate headquarters in Westbrook, Maine, in April of 2010. The 200,000-sf administrative building will enable Idexx to consolidate 400 workers currently located in other Westbrook facilities. Idexx is a biotechnology company that specializes in pet care.

Vivo Bio Tech will construct a RM450 million animal research laboratory complex in Malaysia. Located in Alur Gajah, Malacca, the project will provide three laboratories for research on small animals, canines, and primates. The integrated complex will also provide development, testing, and manufacturing facilities. The project will be created in partnership with Malacca Biotech Holdings and Vanguard Creative Technologies.