Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates
Groundbreaking for Berkshires Life Sciences Innovation Hub
Berkshire Innovation Center to support
region’s small- and mid-sized enterprises in life sciences and advanced
manufacturing
PITTSFIELD – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant
Governor Karyn Polito joined state and local officials to break ground on the
$13.7 million Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), which will catalyze and
accelerate innovation and growth of new and existing companies that will spur
economic growth and job creation in Western Massachusetts.
The BIC will provide
advanced capabilities to manufacturers in the Berkshires, primarily small and
medium-sized companies in life sciences, the life sciences supply chain, advanced
manufacturing and technology. The 20,000 square-foot facility will include
training facilities, biotech wet lab space, clean rooms, office and event space
for small to medium-sized life sciences companies to support economic growth,
jobs and private investment in the region.
“Our administration is
focused on boosting the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences sector in every
corner of the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“Investing in the
Berkshire Innovation Center will help expand the capacity and capabilities of
this region’s entrepreneurial community to drive job creation, retention and
outside investment in Western Massachusetts.”
“This investment will
provide new opportunities for the people and businesses of the Berkshires by
unlocking new economic and educational potential,” said Lieutenant
Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to partner with
municipalities and support public-private partnerships across the Commonwealth
to build a world class talent pipeline and remain a global innovator and leader
in the life sciences.”
Governor Baker and Lt.
Governor Polito were joined by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay
Ash, Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan, MassDevelopment
President & CEO Lauren Liss, Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, Congressman
Richard Neal, members of the state legislative delegation and Berkshire County
business, education and community leaders to celebrate the BIC’s next major
milestone at the future site of the life sciences innovation hub.
“The Berkshire
Innovation Center will serve as an anchor institution for the Western
Massachusetts region, strengthening connections between the life sciences and
advanced manufacturing industries and education institutions, creating jobs and
shaping the next generation of homegrown innovators,” said Housing and
Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “The Baker-Polito
Administration’s commitment to the BIC has been a watershed moment for a
project that was many years in the making and in keeping with economic
development investments made in the region since 2015. We are pleased to be
part of this moment and look forward to seeing the BIC’s impact on our
innovation economy.”
“This new center
represents the promise of new jobs and economic growth in Western
Massachusetts; new support for life sciences innovation, training and advanced
manufacturing; and the expansion of the Commonwealth’s life sciences talent
pipeline,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J.
Heffernan. “As an Administration, we make it a priority to invest our
capital dollars in growth-oriented programs and initiatives – those that
promise a strong return on the Commonwealth’s investment over the long term.
The Berkshire Innovation Center fits that profile nicely.”
“A cornerstone of our
mission as we enter the next generation of the Life Sciences Center is to
remain steadfast in our support of the growth and development of the life
sciences throughout Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences
Center President & CEO Travis McCready. “Our investments in the
Berkshire Innovation Center and across Western Massachusetts will enable the
region to leverage dynamic programming and innovative infrastructure and make
its own mark as part of the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.”
"MassDevelopment
was proud to join a partnership of agencies supporting the development of the
Berkshire Innovation Center," said MassDevelopment President and
CEO Lauren Liss. "This institution will accelerate the work of
companies in key industries in western Massachusetts, such as advanced
manufacturing, technology and life sciences, and we look forward to seeing all
that is accomplished through the work of this landmark innovation hub."
“Today marks the
beginning of many good things to come in our community. In the Berkshires, we
are home to a growing and thriving advanced manufacturing industry. The
Berkshire Innovation Center at the William Stanley Business Park in Pittsfield
will change the landscape for advanced manufacturing R&D and increase the
pipeline of highly trained employees,” said Mayor Linda M. Tyer.
“We’re deeply proud of the city’s role in further catalyzing advanced
manufacturing in Pittsfield and throughout the county. I am exceedingly
grateful to Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Ash and the
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for their unwavering support and commitment
to furthering an endeavor that will continue to grow a powerful and rising
sector of our local economy.”
Nearly 5,000 jobs in
Berkshire Country are in the manufacturing sector, making it the fifth largest
industry in the region. Manufacturing represents a key industry base in
Berkshire County and is comprised of small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs),
which play a critical role in maintaining and growing the manufacturing
strengths of Massachusetts economy.
The BIC will bring
advanced capabilities to its member companies including shared access to
cutting-edge research and development, prototyping equipment, customized
training programs, student internship programs and collaborative opportunities
with the BIC’s research and education partners.
“I’m thrilled to be
breaking ground with so many engaged BIC Stakeholders,”said BIC Chairman
Stephen Boyd. “The leadership of the Baker-Polito Administration has
fostered our community to becoming a significant part of the statewide
innovation ecosystem and this milestone marks another significant step forward
in our realizing its promise. The start of construction of the BIC facility
signals the beginning of a new chapter that pairs our programmatic and building
design and advances our mission. Now the BIC can really start to make an
impact and accomplish our vision to spur innovation across the region and
within our community.”
“I am so grateful for
our team and the PEDA board for the years of hard work and dedication in
advancing the Berkshire Innovation Center from concept to reality,” said
Mick Callahan, Chairman of the PEDA board. “This exciting project will
bring the most advanced manufacturing technology to Pittsfield and advance the
opportunities for existing businesses to grow and create new jobs. The BIC will
also advance educational opportunities for young adults to train for jobs in
the advanced manufacturing sector, further the region’s ability to attract new
entrepreneurial businesses and ultimately improve the overall economy in
Pittsfield and the Berkshires.”
“Berkshire Community
College is so proud to partner with the Berkshire Innovation Center and
celebrate this momentous day,” said Ellen Kennedy, President of BCC.
“The BIC will allow our region to retain its high-quality manufacturing jobs
while also creating new job opportunities for the students and residents of the
Berkshires.”
Numerous federal,
state, and local leaders were on hand for the BIC project launch and joined in
the chorus of praise to celebrate this important milestone:
“The life sciences
industry in Massachusetts is booming, and with the establishment of the
Berkshire Innovation Center, the western part of the state will be able to
claim their stake in this great field,” said Congressman Richard E.
Neal. “I am excited to see the shovels in the ground today. The potential
for future growth for Pittsfield and the entire region is astronomical.
Congratulations to all those involved.”
“Reinventing and
reinvigorating our regional economy requires strategic investments,” said
State Senator Adam G. Hinds. “This innovation center is just what we
need to support local businesses, attract new companies and position the
Berkshires for further growth in a modern economy.”
"The Commonwealth's
investment in the Berkshire Innovation Center comes after years of work
bringing together the many stakeholders,” said Representative Tricia
Farley-Bouvier. “This Center will be fertile ground to the seeds of
collaboration and innovative that are the hallmark of the Berkshires."
“The Berkshire
Innovation Center represents a hub of opportunity for our Commonwealth and I
want to congratulate all those involved in helping the project get to the
finish line,” said Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “As a co-sponsor
of the original $6.5 million earmark included in Governor Patrick’s life
sciences bill almost 10 years ago, it’s incredible to look back on the journey
this project has taken to see where we are now. I am looking forward to the
city of Pittsfield and all of Berkshire County to benefit from what’s to come.”
“I am pleased to see
this long-awaited project get underway,” said Representative Paul W.
Mark. “Upon completion, the state-of-the-art BIC will display the
economic and technological ingenuity of our region, which is incredibly
important as our legislative delegation continues to search for ways to reduce
the economic isolation we often face in the Berkshires.”
“Today marks the
beginning of what will be the catalyst which will drive the Berkshire economy
forward for many years to come,” said Representative John Barrett III.
Consigli Construction
Co., Inc. is leading the construction of the custom 20,000-square-foot
Berkshire Innovation Center, which is expected to be completed by winter 2019.
