By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation last week awarded a $3.4 million grant to redevelop the former Pfizer research facility in Holland into a bioeconomy research and commercialization center. Michigan State University will use the facility to develop technologies that derive alternative energy from agri-based renewable resources.
When Pfizer cut costs in January by closing several facilities, Michigan stood to lose much of that skilled workforce.
"By transforming the Pfizer facility in Holland, we can continue to provide opportunities and retain the talent that is driving our $4.8 billion life sciences industry in Michigan," says Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.
Lakeshore Advantage, the local economic development corporation headed by Randy Thelen, executive director, will administrate the grant. Thelen's efforts were key in procuring the Pfizer facility for re-use.
"The grant from the MEDC, in conjunction with the other commitments to the research center we already have, are clear proof that Michigan business and government leaders see the value and importance of the bioeconomy research center to our state," Thelen says. "Our responsibility now is to continue the work to ensure that we have the needed funding and talent in place for a January 2008 opening."
Thelen goes on to say that he is confident those efforts will succeed.
The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the grant. Additional approval from the Administrative Board will release the money for the project.
Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Randy Thelen, Lakeshore Advantage
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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