April 26, 2007
Database to dispel Massachusetts manufacturing myths
By Cory Hopkins
The Cambridge-based Massachusetts Biotechnology Council plans to unveil a database of 72 sites statewide that are "bio-ready," with the necessary infrastructure for large-scale manufacturing, said Pete Abair, vice president of economic development for the MBC.
The MBC said the database would give Massachusetts a competitive advantage in recruiting manufacturers.
"There's a perception that Massachusetts doesn't have good land sites to do manufacturing," Abair said. "We plan to reveal a bio-sites inventory that we believe is the first in the nation. It will be a searchable, web-based inventory of available sites with all the necessary infrastructure, including water and gas, suitable for manufacturing."
The database was compiled over the past five months in conjunction with the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development. It will be revealed as part of the 10,000-square-foot Massachusetts pavilion at next week's Bio 2007 conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
A recent study by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute and the Massachusets High Technology Council found that biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies often choose Massachusetts for research, development and discovery.
But for manufacturing, companies tend to favor states like North Carolina and New Jersey that feature a lower cost of living and greater economic incentives.
Abair said he hopes the new database, which will continue to grow as the MBC consults with municipalities and local officials, will dispel notions that Massachusetts is not manufacturing friendly.
The MBC said the database would give Massachusetts a competitive advantage in recruiting manufacturers.
"There's a perception that Massachusetts doesn't have good land sites to do manufacturing," Abair said. "We plan to reveal a bio-sites inventory that we believe is the first in the nation. It will be a searchable, web-based inventory of available sites with all the necessary infrastructure, including water and gas, suitable for manufacturing."
The database was compiled over the past five months in conjunction with the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development. It will be revealed as part of the 10,000-square-foot Massachusetts pavilion at next week's Bio 2007 conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
A recent study by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute and the Massachusets High Technology Council found that biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies often choose Massachusetts for research, development and discovery.
But for manufacturing, companies tend to favor states like North Carolina and New Jersey that feature a lower cost of living and greater economic incentives.
Abair said he hopes the new database, which will continue to grow as the MBC consults with municipalities and local officials, will dispel notions that Massachusetts is not manufacturing friendly.
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