The 260,000 square feet facility will employ an additional 100 people in the next five years. Most of the building will be dedicated to manufacturing with both committed (fixed) production lines and flexible manufacturing areas. The building will also have a customer experience center for employees and guests that will include spaces for training, laboratory demonstrations, conferences, an exercise and fitness center, and dining.

"Molecular biology opens doors not only to new understanding of life, but to practical applications that enhance the health of our citizens." says CEO Bill Linton. "We have a tremendous team at Promega who continue to diversify our capabilities to support the needs of our customers. This building is our next step in expanding our product supply capabilities worldwide."

The building design is being undertaken as a collaboration of three firms. Uihlein-Wilson Architects, of Milwaukee, WI leading the overall design and the public space component, EwingCole of Philadelphia, PA, leading the design of the GMP facilities, and Archemy Consulting of Vancouver, B.C., a leader in integrating design and sustainable building practice. Kraemer Brothers of Plain, WI is the contractor for the project. Kraemer has worked with Promega since the construction of the Research and Development Center in 1988.

Plans include a number of environmentally sensitive construction practices. Some of those practices include geothermal heating and cooling, dark sky compliant lighting, prairie restoration, bio-retention ponds for storm water run off among other sustainable features and construction practices.

The ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 pm today at 2800 Woods Hollow Road in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Presentations begin at 2:30 pm. Speakers include Promega CEO Bill Linton, project team members and community officials.