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University at Albany and Sen. Bruno Announce $13.2 Million Biotechnology Expansion on the East Campus


	Next to the architect's rendering of the new Taconic biotech facility on the East Campus are, from left: University at Albany Foundation President George R. Hearst III, Taconic President Todd Little, UAlbany Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst, and New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 19, 2007) -- State and University officials today announced that Taconic will construct a new biotechnology building at the UAlbany East Campus, to be used for the development and production of the most technologically advanced mouse models available to scientists today.

The total project cost is estimated at $13.2 million, of which the Foundation is providing $4.1 million for site work and shell construction and Taconic is providing $9.1 million to outfit the facility. A portion of the Foundation's contribution will come from a $1.9 million capital appropriation made possible through the efforts of Senator Joseph L. Bruno, the New York State Senate Majority Leader, which is earmarked for future upgrading and expansion of the East Campus infrastructure. Additionally, a grant of $175,000 was awarded to Taconic from Empire State Development Corporation.

The 23,000-square-foot facility will be used for isolator production of rats and mice used in biomedical research by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and government agencies. The Foundation will undertake construction of the shell building, while Taconic will be responsible for the interior fit-up work. Construction is scheduled to be completed by early November 2007, with Taconic expected to begin occupying the building that month. Taconic is one of 15 tenants at the East Campus and the largest private tenant, already occupying 41,603 square feet of space there.

"This is an exciting project for the University at Albany East Campus, for Taconic Incorporated, and for the entire Capital Region," Bruno said. "We are making an important investment that will create new jobs and strengthen the Capital Region's global reputation as a home to high technology and biotechnology businesses and jobs. I am proud of the development of the East Campus because it shows that positive results come from the partnership of State government, higher education and private industry. I look forward to more good news at the East Campus in the future."

"The addition of a new Taconic facility at the University at Albany's East Campus is a prime example of our collaborative approach at work," said Todd Little, Taconic president. "Taconic has always fostered close working relationships across the public, private and academic sectors in our mission to support the research that is so critical to finding solutions to today's human health issues. We're extremely pleased to be expanding our long-standing partnership with the University at Albany Foundation."

"The University at Albany is proud to have been an early partner with Senator Bruno and Taconic," said Susan Herbst, provost and officer in charge of the University at Albany. "Our newest project is a natural fit for the University, as it builds on a long and very successful history of working closely together toward the vital goal of advancing biomedical research."

"I am delighted to help launch the next phase of development for Taconic and the University," said George R. Hearst III, president of the University at Albany Foundation. "It's a partnership that will continue to provide essential support for the medical science research conducted at the East Campus and beyond."

The 87-acre East Campus of the University at Albany is home to a thriving bioscience and high-tech community that brings together government, industry and academic researchers and technology at a single site, comprising over 350,000 square feet of lab, support and associated office space. Owned by the Foundation since 1996, the site hosts more than 1,000 researchers, company employees, University faculty, and students, and serves as a major hub for biomedical research in the Capital Region and in the state of New York.

Once completed, the facility will employ 35 people, creating approximately 30 new jobs.

About Taconic
Taconic was founded in 1952 as a family-owned business in New York's Hudson River Valley. Since then, the company has become one of the largest laboratory rodent providers in the world with a reputation for consistently producing high quality, well-defined rats and mice. Taconic's expertise in breeding, barrier systems, genetics and animal health supports researchers focused on drug development using in vivo models. Taconic has six breeding facilities and three service laboratories in the USA and Europe, a staff of over 800, and a commitment to technology innovation.

The University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages more than 17,000 diverse students in 10 schools and colleges. For more information about this internationally ranked institution, visit the University at Albany. Visit UAlbany's extensive roster of Faculty Experts.