Thermo Fisher launches BioCenter project in Logan

LOGAN — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. had a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for its $11.4 million BioCenter.

The company announced Sept. 21 it would build the facility to manufacture containers used in the life-science research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

The company, based in Massachusetts, said the 37,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by the fall of 2008 and will be the first of three phases that will create a 94,000-square-foot BioCenter over the next four years. The facility will replace and expand an existing operation.

The initial project is expected to create 75 new jobs, both in production and management functions, with additional jobs created as the facility is expanded.

The company's existing Logan operations employ about 400 people. The company overall has more than 30,000 employees worldwide.

A state board approved a tax rebate of up to $2,735,000 over 10 years to secure the project.