By Jack Atchason, Executive Director, Hershey Center for Applied Research
In December, 2011 Pacific Edge Diagnostics, Ltd. (PED) signed an agreement to build a 11,000 square foot lab and offices at the Hershey Center for Applied Research (HCAR) to serve as its US Headquarters. PED is a US franchise for a New Zealand based parent Pacific Edge Diagnostics. This facility will employ approximately 100 people by 2015 and will be used to commercialize the company’s first product CxBladder™ a diagnostic and prognostic test for Bladder Cancer. Since that time the HCAR team has assisted in design of the facility, has been assisting the company with its commercialization plan, and begun constructing the facility. Duct work, drains, and studs are in, air handling capacity has been expanded, and the work is on schedule. The facility is to be completed in September 2012, however validation and certification of the lab will not be completed until 2013. All local Central PA based sub -contractors have been used in the build out of this facility.
Pacific Edge named Jackie Walker, a resident of York, PA, as the new CEO of the US business. Jackie brings a wealth of experience in the Dental Supply/Dental Product industry which has substantial similarities with the PED business. Jackie is hard at work in designing the operational and commercial plan for the company, as well as providing oversight for the construction of the facility. Please stay tuned for more developments on this company.
HCAR provides the resources and support that international companies are looking for when considering a US location. This is done with the help of many partners like the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Subsidies are available to help locate a business to HCAR. Please visit www.hersheyresearch.com for more information.
