The Pennsylvania Governor, Edward G. Rendell, today joined Sir Allen McClay, chairman of Almac Group, and Sam Kriebel, a local farmer and landowner, who has lived in the area for many generations, to break ground on the site of Almac’s new North American headquarters. Construction of the new 240,000ft² building on the 40 acre site starts this month and is expected to be completed by 2010. In addition to the current relocation of 495 members of staff, an extra 265 jobs will be created.
Initially two divisions, Almac Clinical Services and Almac Clinical Technologies, will be based in the building, and plans are in place for expansion across other divisions at the site. Staff at the new headquarters will continue to work closely with staff at Almac’s other US facilities. Governor Edward G. Rendell said: “Pennsylvania is proud to welcome Almac's North American headquarters, enhancing the commonwealth's status as a leader in the biosciences industry."
“Almac takes its place among the innovative companies and researchers calling Pennsylvania home, and will serve as magnet for even more talent and inspiration. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” Governor Rendell added.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sir Allen McClay, chairman of Almac Group, said: “Today marks the start of a new era for Almac in North America and a new era for Lower Salford. Once completed, our new headquarters, which represents an investment of some $100 million, will employ over 750 people across a variety of disciplines, with job numbers anticipated to grow significantly in the years ahead. Almac is committed to the ongoing development of its business in the United States and I am delighted that Lower Salford will play a central role in the future of the Group’s operations here.”
“In the search for a new headquarters, the positive engagement and support from local and state authorities proved crucial as we reached our decision. I would like to thank all those who have worked with us on this project so far and I look forward to working with you all in the future. I am confident that the partnership we have built, between Pennsylvania and Almac, will continue to deliver for the company and for the community,” he added.
“I would also like to thank the Governor for joining us today and I am especially happy that Sam Kriebel, whose family have lived in the area for many generations, has also joined us too.”
