MSU Bioeconomy Institute seeks to add two top execs, could create 200 additional jobs

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

The search to fill two top executive positions is on as the new Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute on Howard Street in Holland moves toward a January 2009 opening date. 

Formerly a Pfizer research and development facility, the 138,000-square-foot facility contains office space, expensive laboratory space, and a pilot plant space with large-scale production capability for building and testing prototypes.

MSU will use the facility for the research and development of new biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterial.

“MSU research teams in the facility will investigate the biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials opportunities, and Lakeshore Advantage will look for national and international companies to co-locate their R&D facilities with the university,” says Randy Thelen, executive director of Lakeshore Advantage. Lakeshore Advantage was the organization that approached Pfizer with idea of gifting the $50 million facility for economic development after the pharmaceutical manufactuer announced it was closing the plant in 2006.

“There will be a bio incubator for bio startup companies who want to use the space and the connection with MSU, and Lakeshore Advantage is contracted to recruit the companies to fill the space,” Thelen continues.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. awarded the project a $3.5 million grant, and $5.2 million was raised locally and is housed with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.

“We see the success of this project as contingent on the leadership,” Thelen notes. “The community put forth the dollars that will allow us to hire the best and the brightest as director. We are also looking for a manager for the bio incubator. We hope to have the new hires in place within the next 60 days.”

Thelen says the business plan calls for roughly 100 new positions, and could go to 150 or 200 over time after adding in the bio incubator.

Source: Randy Thelen, Lakeshore Advantage

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].