Industry News

Cobb-Vantress is constructing a $1.8 million laboratory at its headquarters in Siloam Springs. Accommodating disease diagnostics and biotechnology research, the 5,000-sf facility will utilize molecular scanning equipment to analyze samples. Occupancy is expected in early 2011. The sustainably-designed facility will feature advanced HVAC and building insulation systems. Cobb-Vantress is a poultry producer and supplier.

Mountain States Health Alliance will break ground in June of 2010 on the $66 million Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Va. The 155,000-sf replacement hospital is expected to open in 2012. The sustainably-designed project is sited on 50 acres.

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.

Michigan State University broke ground in April of 2010 on a $43 million plant science laboratory in East Lansing. The 80,000-sf building will house research space, lab support, offices, and an auditorium. The facility will connect the Plant Biology Laboratories and the Plant and Soil Science Building. Completion is expected by 2012.

Universiti Malaya opened its Modular Biosafety Level 3 Research Facility in April of 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The RM10 million laboratory houses facilities for the detection and study of infectious tropical diseases like dengue fever. The facility is located at the university’s Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre and will support vaccine development and commercialization of biomedical discoveries.