BRIDGEWATER, N.J., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis, the world’s third largest pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has purchased approximately 11.54 acres of land in Innovation Park, Oro Valley, Arizona. The company will move its research and development center from the current location in Oro Valley on Hanley Boulevard into a larger location to support future growth. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
While the design of the new building is currently in development, the building’s size will be approximately 100,000 square feet. This is more than double the space at the current facility. The new site is located at the corner of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Innovation Park Drive. Innovation Park, a 300-acre high tech campus, is becoming a significant biotech hub for northern Tucson. Construction is expected to begin on the new facility in the first quarter of 2007.
“The new site was chosen because it can accommodate our growing needs for a more flexible and integrated space,” says Porter McMillian, Senior Vice President, U.S. Science & Medical Affairs for sanofi-aventis. “In addition, we are pleased to stay in Oro Valley and be a part of the biotech growth. The beautiful mountain landscape also made the site location a perfect choice.”
Steve Corney, Managing Principal of The Staubach Company, sanofi-aventis’ site selection firm for this project said “The combination of the existing biotech cluster at Innovation Park and the lifestyle and amenities of Oro Valley, made this an excellent location for sanofi-aventis.”
The 65 sanofi-aventis employees currently working at the combinatorial technologies center on Hanley Blvd. have expertise in biology, chemistry, information systems and automated organic synthesis. They are expected to move into the new facility by the end of 2008. Sanofi-aventis is planning to recruit twenty more talented scientists over the next three to five years.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis is the world’s third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris and in New York .
Media Contacts:
Gina DeSalvo-Tilton: 908-921-3968
Marc Greene: 212-551-4400
sanofi-aventis
CONTACT: Gina DeSalvo-Tilton, +1-908-921-3968, or Marc Greene, +1-212-551-4400, both for sanofi-aventis
Web site: http://www.sanofi-aventis.com/
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