ZS Genetics, developer of a Third-Generation DNA sequencing platform, and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) are pleased to announce the official opening of the company’s new office in the Greater Boston area. ZS Genetics’ management team, as well as representatives from the MLSC, MassBio and state Rep. Paul Brodeur, D-Melrose, cut a ribbon last week to mark the grand opening of the company’s new facility in Wakefield.
The opening of the Boston-area office and laboratory facility is a significant milestone in the company’s transition from research and development towards product commercialization.
The Wakefield facility brings together employees who currently work remotely and also provides sufficient expansion space to accommodate the company’s anticipated growth. “This facility represents a new chapter in the life of this company. We are very pleased to have found what we believe to be an ideal location. Our world-class scientists finally have the facilities and resources to bring the technology closer to the commercialization stage,” said Bill Ward, President of ZS Genetics.
The new office will also bring in new opportunities for ZS Genetics.
“Massachusetts is a hub for life sciences and technology expertise. Having access to the talent and resources available in the Boston area was a critical factor in our decision to locate here,” said William Glover, Chief Executive Officer of ZS Genetics. “We are moving into this facility with a dozen employees and will be looking to expand our workforce in the near future.”
“In Massachusetts we invest in the life sciences because we are choosing to shape our own future,” said Gov. Deval Patrick. “I congratulate ZS Genetics on their new facility and look forward to the jobs and economic opportunities they will bring.”
Through the MLSC, Massachusetts is investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state’s life sciences supercluster. These investments are being made under the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative, proposed by Patrick in 2007, and passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Patrick in 2008.
ZS Genetics’ 10,000-square-foot space includes office and cubicle space for employees, as well as facilities for a chemistry lab and a DNA sample preparation lab. The labs are scheduled for completion in September at which time those ZS Genetics employees who are currently working in leased facilities will join their colleagues in Wakefield.
The company’s team has grown substantially over the past several months to 10 employees as the company has added key personnel required for building the “alpha” version of its sequencing system. Among the new staff at the Wakefield facility are two premier scientists ZS Genetics has hired to lead critical areas for the next phase of product development: Dr. Suhaib Siddiqi is a renowned chemist who has joined ZSG to lead one of the RD teams. Several weeks ago, Dr. Larry Scipioni came on board to take responsibility for running the microscope labs.
The facility will house state-of-the-art equipment, including two electron microscopes, to develop the company’s platform. The second of the two, a Nion, was recently acquired and underwent installation and commissioning in the second half of June.
“I am so pleased to welcome ZS Genetics to Wakefield, and I congratulate the company on this state-of-the-art facility,” said state Sen. Katherine Clark, D-Melrose. “This is one more example of our community and our Commonwealth leading the nation to great advances in the life sciences by investing in innovation.