Industry News

The University at Albany, the State University of New York, will open the $45 million Gen*NY*Sis Center for Excellence in Cancer Genomics on its East Greenbush, N.Y., campus in September 2005. Construction on the cancer research center began in summer 2003. The facility will house researchers, industry partners, and state institutions studying the genetic aspects of cancer.

Saint Mary's University has awarded the Atlantic Buildings division of Aecon Group the construction management contract for the $25.5 million renovation of its Applied Science Building in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The project includes the refurbishing of an existing 71,500-sf, five-story facility and the construction of a five-story, 22,500-sf teaching and research addition. Construction on the project began in May 2005 and will reach completion in three years.

Hanil USA, a subsidiary of TI Automotive, will develop a manufacturing and assembly plant in an existing 10,000-sf facility in Tallassee, Ala. Hanil will initiate construction immediately on a $2.3 million renovation and expansion of the building that will add 6,500 sf. The plant will initially employ thirty workers assembling plastic and steel tube components for Hyundai's plant in Montgomery, Ala. TI Automotive is based in England with its U.S. headquarters in Warren, Mich.

Korean auto parts manufacturer Mando Corp. is expanding its 150,000-sf Opelika, Ala., facility to 325,000 sf. The project contractor is Jacksonville, Fla.-base Pattillo Construction Company, the contractor who built the original facility in 2004. Slated for completion in spring 2006, the expansion will create 170 new jobs.

Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis AG has renovated the historic 1927 New England Candy Co. factory in Cambridge to create a 500,000-sf biomedical research facility. The renovated building now houses labs, offices, breakout rooms, a 180-seat auditorium, two conference rooms, and a six-story atrium. Designed to foster interaction and collaboration, the labs and offices are co-located, with breakout rooms and kitchens on the perimeter of each floor. The building features state-of-the-art power, water, air handling, communications, and security systems.