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October 1, 2003 Construction of Critical University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute Research and Training Facility Begins ROCKVILLE, MD— The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute began construction of the CARBII research facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, September 25 at 2 pm. The project is an expansion of UMBI’s facilities and programs on the Shady Grove Life Sciences Campus in the heart of Montgomery County’s burgeoning cluster of biotechnology companies. The 140,000-square-foot building will house state-of-the-art laboratories, key core facilities and training programs that will address critical workforce needs for Maryland’s biotechnology industry.  The CARBII groundbreaking represents the culmination of efforts by the higher education, private industry and government sectors to solidify and enhance Maryland’s current position as number three among the states in biotechnology companies. Governor Ehrlich said, “CARBII will play a pivotal role in helping us unleash Maryland’s potential – we are very excited about it!” University System of Maryland Chancellor Kirwan noted “the leadership of Maryland is putting a stake in the ground about our intentions to be a dominant player in perhaps the most important area of research and economic activity in the twenty-first century”. Coming on a beautiful, sunny day on the heels of Hurricane Isabel’s destructive forces, the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated Maryland’s future as a national and international leader in biotechnology. Speaking of the State’s commitment to biotech-based economic development, DBED Secretary Aris Melissaratos quipped that the Baltimore-Washington Parkway would soon be dubbed “Biotech Boulevard”. Other speakers at the event included State Senator P.J. Hogan, NIST Director Arden Bement, UMBI Board of Visitors Chair Martin Apple and UMBI President Jennie Hunter-Cevera. UMBI’s Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology (CARB) was established in the mid-1980s in partnership with Montgomery County and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST Director, Arden Bement spoke of the success of the partnership and how the CARB II facility will “help NIST and UMBI to become more capable and more valuable partners to the still-emerging biotechnology industry”. Expansion of the facilities at the Rockville site will enhance UMBI’s multifaceted relationships with industry, government and academic laboratories. The core facilities will benefit all sectors of the State’s biotechnology community by providing access to highly specialized laboratories and instrumentation as well as training in areas such as bioprocess manufacturing using Good Manufacturing Practices. Availability of the specialized facilities and workforce training in these manufacturing and production methods is critical for small and startup biotechnology companies in Maryland.
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