Industry News

Novartis International AG will begin construction in 2011 on a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in St. Peterburg, Russia. The project is part of a five-year, $500 million investment by Novartis in local infrastructure, healthcare initiatives, and partnerships with academia and industry.

The University of Vermont is renovating the George D. Aiken Center in Burlington. Housing the School of Natural Resources, the $13 million project features an insulated building envelope, natural lighting and ventilation, a green roof, a natural wastewater treatment system, and local building materials. LEED Platinum sustainable design certification will be sought for the 40,000-sf teaching and research facility. Construction began on the project in September of 2010 with occupancy expected in early 2011.

Sydney University of Technology will begin construction in early 2012 on a $150 million facility for the School of Business. The 11-story Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building was designed by Frank Gehry of Gehry Partners. Completion is expected in summer of 2014.

Eastern Michigan University will open a $90 million addition to its Science Complex in January of 2011. Located in Ypsilanti, Mich., the five-story, 80,000-sf facility features a planetarium classroom and 36 science labs for biology, chemistry, geography, geology, physics, astronomy, and psychology. The 180,000-sf Mark Jefferson building will also be renovated. The project team includes architect Lord, Aeck & Sargent, general contractor Christman Company, and program manager DMJM.

Fiat will constuct a 1.3 billion R&D and manufacturing facility in Suape, PE, Brazil. The building will be located in the Port and Industrial District in the State of Pernambuco and will produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually.