Amanda Bosland, Author at Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Amazon Invests in X-Energy to Support Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Expand Carbon-Free Power

Investment solidifies X-energy’s leading role in commercializing SMR technology to revolutionize the nuclear industry.

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 16, 2024 – X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”), a leader in advanced nuclear reactor and fuel technology, today announced a Series C-1 financing round of approximately $500 million, anchored by Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”). The investment will help meet growing energy demands by funding the completion of X-energy’s reactor design and licensing as well as the first phase of its TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Additionally, the funding will support future carbon-free projects that will use X-energy’s Xe-100 advanced small modular nuclear reactors (“SMRs”). Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”), NGP, and the University of Michigan join Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund in the financing round.

Amazon and X-energy are also collaborating to bring more than 5 gigawatts of new power projects online across the United States by 2039, representing the largest commercial deployment target of SMRs to date. The efforts will help meet growing energy demands in key locations through direct project investments and long-term power purchase agreements to help power Amazon operations. Further, X-energy and Amazon plan to establish and standardize a deployment and financing model to develop projects in partnership with infrastructure and utility partners.

The companies will initially support a four-unit 320-megawatt (“MW”) project with regional utility Energy Northwest in central Washington with the option to increase that project to 12 units and 960 MW. Amazon is immediately committing a direct investment in the Energy Northwest project to fund early development work that X-energy will perform.

“This collaboration between Amazon and X-energy is a significant step toward accelerating advanced nuclear technologies that can help us bring new sources of carbon-free energy to the grid cost-effectively and safely,” said Kevin Miller, Amazon’s Vice President of Global Data Centers. “We need smart solutions that can help us meet growing energy demands while also addressing climate change. X-energy’s technology will be integral in helping achieve this, and is an important step in Amazon’s work to achieve our Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero by 2040.”

“Nuclear is an important source of clean and reliable power that our nation needs to meet the growing demand for energy,” said Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, whose affiliate is one of the lead investors in this round. “X-energy provides an impactful solution to a critical challenge – and the support Amazon, Dow, and other major corporations have provided underscores its potential and merit.”

“Amazon and X-energy are poised to define the future of advanced nuclear energy in the commercial marketplace,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “To fully realize the opportunities available through artificial intelligence, we must bring clean, safe, and reliable electrons onto the grid with proven technologies that can scale and grow with demand. We deeply appreciate our earliest funders and collaborators, notably the U.S. Department of Energy and Dow Inc. With Amazon, Ken Griffin, and our other strategic investors, we are now uniquely suited to deliver on this transformative vision for the future of energy and tech.”

X-energy’s pioneering Xe-100 advanced small modular reactor and TRISO-X fuel are among the safest and most reliable clean energy technologies. Each reactor unit is engineered to provide 80 MW of electricity and is optimized in multi-unit plants ranging from 320 MW to 960 MW. The innovative and simplified modular design is road-shippable and intended to drive geographic scalability, accelerate construction timelines, and create more predictable and manageable construction costs. X-energy’s advanced reactor technology offers remarkable efficiency and resiliency to meet the requirements of energy-intensive data centers, allowing Amazon to align its growth and carbon-free energy goals.

X-energy is developing its initial Xe-100 plant at Dow Inc.’s UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing site on the Texas Gulf Coast. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”), the project will be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor deployed to serve an industrial site in North America, providing the site with zero-carbon emissions power and high-temperature steam. ARDP also supports X-energy’s first-in-the-nation commercial facility to exclusively manufacture TRISO fuel, which DOE calls “the most robust nuclear fuel on Earth.”

Additional Commentary
Kam Ghaffarian, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Chairman, X-energy

“The investments from Amazon, our Series C-1 funders, and valued partners like Dow and the U.S. Department of Energy underscore X-energy’s leadership in commercializing SMR technology and delivering the clean, safe, affordable, and reliable power our world needs now. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of the X-energy team and the essential energy solutions we’ve built. We remain focused on bringing our advanced reactor technology to market, enabling a future powered by sustainable, zero-carbon energy.”

Allyson Satin, Partner, Ares

“Ares is proud to further strengthen its support for X-energy and the advancement of nuclear technologies as it enters this partnership and significantly accelerates its mission to support the transition to a lower-carbon economy. Through our work together over the last two years, we are confident in X-energy’s ability to capitalize on the rapidly increasing demand for scalable clean energy sources and drive long-term, sustainable value for its stakeholders.”

Maritza Liaw, Partner, NGP

“NGP recognizes the unique contribution of nuclear energy to reliable, carbon-free, baseload electricity and industrial heat. X-energy has a world-class team, well-tested reactor and fuel design, and committed collaborators in Dow and Amazon who are both leaders in their industries. We are proud to partner with X-energy to bring advanced nuclear energy to market.”

Erik Lundberg, Chief Investment Officer, University of Michigan

“The University of Michigan has been at the forefront of the energy transition, strategically investing in a diverse portfolio of sustainable and renewable energy and other climate solutions, including utility-scale solar, renewable fuels, and sustainable infrastructure. The U-M Investment Office is proud to partner with X-energy as part of its broader commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable economy. As part of its comprehensive approach to achieving a low-carbon future, the U-M Investment Office recognizes advanced nuclear technologies as a key component to its climate solutions investment strategy, reinforcing its commitment to long-term decarbonization goals.”

Advisors
Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to X-energy, and Moelis & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor and placement agent.

About X-energy

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect on Twitter or LinkedIn.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

View original Press Release: https://x-energy.com/media/news-releases/amazon-invests-in-x-energy-to-support-advanced-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-and-expand-carbon-free-power

BioHub Maryland opens new biopharma Workforce Training Center in Rockville

The new 8,200 SF skills training center equips workers to accelerate Maryland's Life Sciences industry

BioHub Maryland, an initiative to accelerate life sciences in the state, today officially opened a new state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical workforce training center at 9808 Medical Center Drive in Rockville. Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined life sciences industry leaders to open the training center on October 24.

Located in one of the nation’s top life sciences hubs, the 8,200-square-foot BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County unlocks career opportunities for Marylanders and builds the diverse and skilled workforce needed to advance Maryland’s global life sciences leadership.

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County provides hands-on technical training to current life sciences workers, military Veterans and Marylanders who may not have college degrees in a multifunctional facility designed to simulate a real-world biopharma manufacturing setting.

Trainees gain skills such as aseptic techniques and manufacturing recombinant proteins, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies, and essential practices like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP).

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County is made possible through a $3 million investment by Montgomery County. Additionally, the Moore-Miller Administration has provided $1.25 million in operational and capital support to BioHub Maryland since taking office.

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center is the only training center in the National Capital Region to feature globally trusted curricula from the National Institute of Bioprocessing Training and Research (NIBRT), an international leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing training and research.

BioHub Maryland is a skills-first workforce development initiative of the Maryland Tech Council (MTC), the state’s largest life sciences and technology trade association. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry by expanding the state’s biopharma manufacturing talent pipeline.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated, “The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County is an exciting opportunity to create local jobs and expand our county’s life sciences leadership. Our investment enables job seekers of all educational backgrounds to gain in-demand biopharma skills in a cutting-edge training environment while providing employers the skilled workforce they need to advance the medical innovations that patients around the world depend on.”

Maryland Tech Council Chief Executive Officer Kelly Schulz stated, “The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County will set the standard for excellence in life science talent development. We are building the biopharma workforce of the future in Rockville and our doors are open to Marylanders of all educational backgrounds. We are grateful to Montgomery County for their leadership in making this training center possible, and to the Moore-Miller Administration for their critical operations support since taking office.”

Life sciences is a high-paying career option for job seekers who may not have college degrees. One out of every three life sciences job openings in Maryland does not require a Bachelor’s degree, and average annual life sciences incomes are 87% higher than those of other industries in Maryland.

Maryland hosts 2,700 life sciences companies and 54,000 industry workers and, as part of the BioHealth Capital Region, is ranked the nation’s #3 biopharma cluster. Montgomery County is a life sciences leader, hosting a dense concentration of companies, research institutions, and federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

About BioHub Maryland

BioHub Maryland is accelerating the life sciences industry for companies and career seekers to expand the state’s global innovation advantage. An award-winning initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, BioHub Maryland helps residents of all backgrounds pursue rewarding careers in life sciences by offering skills training, career resources, and access to 1,200+ job openings in life sciences. BioHub Maryland also helps life sciences companies at every stage grow by showcasing their career opportunities, training the next generation of life sciences talent, and providing strategic resources for raising capital. Learn more at biohubmaryland.com

New Biohealth Hub set to advance biotechnology innovation and drive economic growth

Biohealth Hub will offer access to essential resources such as funding, talent, and state-of-the-art laboratory space.

Montgomery County, Md., Oct. 18 2024 – The opening of the Biohealth Hub @ Greencourt Innovation Center (“Biohealth Hub”) was celebrated with a special ceremony that brought together public officials, a diverse group of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, community leaders, and stakeholders from Maryland’s life sciences and biotechnologies community. The event marked a significant milestone with the Biohealth Hub set to play a central role in advancing biotechnology innovation, and breakthroughs and driving economic growth.

Co-founder Bei Ma delivered the opening remarks, expressing her excitement about the hub’s launch and its mission to transform the life sciences landscape in the region. “It’s an honor to welcome you all to the opening of the Biohealth Hub,” said Ma. “Today’s opening is a significant step in powering the next generation of entrepreneurs who will shape the future of medicine. At Biohealth Hub, our mission is clear: to provide unparalleled access to the key resources that drive success—capital, talent, and state-of-the-art lab space.” She outlined the vision for the hub as the “easy button” for life sciences companies, facilitating seamless connections to funding, expertise, talent, and facilities to accelerate innovation.

Following Bei Ma’s remarks, Secretary of State, Susan Lee, congratulated the Biohealth Hub in its launching at Greencourt Innovation Center, where co-founders Stephany Yu and Bei Ma hosted an inspiring evening of innovation, collaboration, and celebration in the life sciences community.

Secretary Lee highlighted the crucial role that life sciences and biotechnologies play in Maryland’s economy and its growing reputation as a hub for scientific excellence. “Maryland’s biohealth industry is not just a vital part of our economy, but also a source of breakthroughs that will improve lives around the world. This new Hub will create an ecosystem where startups, researchers, and established companies can work side by side to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” she continued. Secretary Lee concluded by expressing optimism about the future impact of the Biohealth Hub. “The journey of transforming ideas into life-changing solutions requires not only expertise but also an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and accelerates growth. With the launch of the Biohealth Hub, we are taking a significant step towards cultivating the next wave of biotech innovations, right here in Maryland.”

Maryland Montgomery County Executive, Marc Elrich, in his remarks, emphasized the strategic significance of the Biohealth Hub for the region’s economic development and the advancement of public health. “Montgomery County has long been a leader in life sciences, and today, with the opening of the Biohealth Hub, we’re adding another important piece to our ecosystem,” said Elrich, “with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and numerous biotech companies headquartered here, Montgomery County is already at the forefront of biomedical research and innovation. The Biohealth Hub will enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent and investment, further solidifying our place as a global leader in this sector.”

The event included a roundtable introduction session with representatives from government agencies, investors, life sciences companies, and professional service providers discussed the industry’s future, including:

Bill Tompkins, President and CEO – Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)
Jean-luc Park, Senior Director of Social Impact Funds – Maryland TEDCO
Cindy Rivarde, CEO – Rockville Econiomic Development Inc. (REDI)
Richelle Wilson, Deputy Director – REDI
Marji Graf, President & CEO – Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
John Mumm, President & CEO – Deka Biosciences
Pavel Khrimian, Co-founder & CBO – Deka Biosciences
Roger Nakazawa, Olympia Holdings
Vijay Lakshman, Brilliant Inc.
Daozhan Yu, President and CEO – AAVnerGene
Anthony Millin, Next Chair, Partner – Shulman Rogers
Jimmy Lu, Founder – Neomics
Randy Xu, Co-founder and CSO – ARV Technologies

Biohealth Hub is now positioned as a central hub for Maryland’s biotechnology ecosystem, catalyzing collaboration, research, and commercialization efforts. With its unique approach and strategic location at the Greencourt Innovation Center, the hub is set to attract top talent, investment, and cutting-edge research to the region.

About Biohealth Hub

The Biohealth Hub @ Greencourt Innovation Center is a premier innovation space dedicated to advancing life sciences and biotechnology in Maryland. The hub offers a collaborative environment where startups, researchers, and investors come together to foster growth in life sciences, biotechnologies, medical devices, and digital health. Learn more at https://biohealthhub.net/

Nonprofit Spotlight: Community Reach of Montgomery County

"Achieving the extraordinary together."

What cause does Community Reach support?

Since 1967, Community Reach of Montgomery County (“Reach”) has supported underserved communities by providing safety-net services that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Reach strives to ensure all community members have their basic needs met and have a more equitable chance of realizing their full potential. As the needs of the community have changed over the last 57 years, we have grown to work in five service areas.

Reach provides healthcare for the uninsured through the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, support for seniors aging in place in the City of Rockville, education for immigrants and tutoring for children, supportive housing for formerly unhoused men and women, and financial emergency assistance to prevent evictions and utility terminations.

What is the impact of your organization on the community?

Reach’s five service areas help clients achieve self-sufficiency, meaning that they have the stability, knowledge, and skills they need to meet their own needs. This approach includes both immediate relief for unmet needs like shelter and hunger and long-term support to improve overall quality of life for underserved communities. Our work provides tangible, direct benefits to approximately 4,000 lower-income residents each year, many of whom live and work in Rockville. Our work helps to build a more equitable, healthier, and safer community for all.

What motivated you to join your organization?

I fell in love with the rich history of Reach, beginning in response to youth issues in the late 1960s, supporting young people to speak up for change and social justice and continuing to create programs for nearly 60 years in response to the needs of the community. I also admired the interfaith origins of the organization that continues today to include people of many different backgrounds who come together to serve their neighbors in need.

Why did your organization choose to operate out of Rockville?

From its outset, Reach was a Rockville-based organization. In 1967, several local faith organizations came together to form a community ministry for the Rockville community, working to build community connections and give a voice to marginalized groups. Known as “Community Ministries of Rockville,” the organization initially focused on advocacy and youth mentorship. In the 1980s it shifted to direct services, responding to increased community need caused by nationwide cuts to human service programs. In 2019, the organization changed its name to reflect a new, wider purpose and mission to provide services throughout the county, but we are still based in Rockville.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in the future?

Reach intends to expand its presence in the community and continue to address urgent needs for healthcare, housing, education, and more among underserved populations. Currently, plans are underway to offer women’s health and diabetes focused health and wellness days at MKHC to improve healthcare access, launch two new ESL conversation classes for parents at local elementary schools and tutoring for students at the schools, provide personalized technology assistance workshops for local seniors, and more. In the long term, we hope to increase advocacy efforts to draw attention to issues that most impact the communities we work with, such as housing reform, voter awareness, support for immigrants, and general support for underserved communities.

About Community Reach of Montgomery County

Visit Community Reach of Montgomery County at 1010 Grandin Avenue, #A1 Rockville, MD, 20851

Learn more about Community Reach of Montgomery County at www.cmrocks.org

Follow Community Reach of Montgomery County on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit Montgomery announces launch of MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase

The new initiative will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together, and includes opportunities for both businesses and consumers to connect

Rockville, MD, Oct. 9, 2024 – Visit Montgomery is pleased to announce the launch of the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase scheduled for March 30 & 31, 2025, at the Hilton Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a robust hospitality and tourism sector, serving as a major workforce hub and think tank for the industry. Global leaders such as Marriott International, Ritz Carlton, Choice Hotels International, Inc., and Sodexo all have their headquarters in the county. Montgomery County has over 900 restaurants, 30,000 small businesses, and over one million residents of culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Montgomery County has always been a place where innovation and culture come together, and the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a perfect example of that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich “This event not only celebrates our diverse food scene, but it will also support the local businesses that make our community thrive. I’m excited to see how this showcase will help drive our economy forward by spotlighting the talent and creativity that Montgomery County is known for.”

Visit Montgomery through this new initiative; MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase will provide an opportunity for business and consumer connections. The event will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together to learn more about new products, and participate in panel discussions and other educational breakout sessions. The conference agenda will include breakout sessions on topics relative to the needs of the industry, student-to-business open forums, and exchanges and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees will be invited to enjoy food and beverage tastings, learn more about local and regional products, and purchase items.

“The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase not only celebrates our county’s cultural diversity through food but also strengthens our commitment to education and workforce development,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council President. “By partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College’s hospitality programs, this event provides students with hands-on experience and direct exposure to industry leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity to foster the next generation of culinary talent.”

Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools hospitality program students will have a chance to help as volunteers, and participate in breakout sessions and cooking demonstrations. Visit Montgomery is also collaborating with the MoCo Food Council and the Restaurant Association of Maryland for the Showcase.

Invited vendors include food trucks, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, locally made artisans and food products, event venues, and any suppliers to the hospitality industry businesses in Montgomery County, MD. The goal of the showcase is to:

Engage the hospitality industry suppliers in a business expo format with the local entertainment venues, event venues, hotels, retailers, breweries and wineries, and restaurant operators/owners to connect their business and workforce needs with solutions in a trade show and educational format.
Promote the county’s social economy by introducing and showcasing local flavor and entrepreneurial spirit in a consumer-attended expo that celebrates Montgomery County’s diversity through cuisine and beverage tastings (food trucks, restaurants, wineries, and breweries).

“By bringing together industry leaders, local businesses, and our community, this showcase highlights the exceptional talent in our region and reinforces Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for culinary innovation. We are proud to lead this initiative that will shape the future of our hospitality sector,” said Kelly Groff, President & CEO of Visit Montgomery.

Join this exciting celebration of Montgomery County’s hospitality industry. Keep up to date for more information at MoCoEats.com.

Sign up to be notified when vendor registration is open.

Sign up to be notified when attendee ticket sales are open.

For sponsorship information, click here.

For more information about the event and to RSVP, please email Joe Doran, Community Engagement and Partnership Manager, jdoran@visitmontgomery.com.

About Visit Montgomery

Visit Montgomery’s mission is to market and develop the county and its communities as a preferred destination for group and individual travel, thereby fostering economic growth and quality of place through tourism. Visit Montgomery is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization with an oversight by a volunteer board of directors. Learn more at visitmontgomery.com

Business Spotlight: Twin Valley Distillers

Montgomery County's first distillery since prohibition

What does Twin Valley Distillers offer?

We produce a myriad of whiskeys and bourbons as unique as the Free State. We have an award-winning single cask bourbon, a blended bourbon with tastes of cherry and honey, and a single cask wheated bourbon. We also produce flavored spirits including rums and vodkas.

What motivated the start of the business?

We wanted to create something unique by combining local grains, family traditions, and an urban setting.

What makes Twin Valley Distillers unique?

We are Montgomery County’s first distillery since prohibition, bringing the art of handcrafted spirits back to the Free State. Our flavored spirits are truly what makes Twin Valley unique. From our Port Antonio Rums to Limoncello, and everything in between, we’re sure to have something for every occasion.

In Maryland, we experience all four seasons and here at Twin Valley we welcome each season with a new lineup of flavors to match the weather. Be it mango lemonade in the summer or eggnog in the winter, let our spirits help elevate your spirit any time of year.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Rockville is a convenient location for our production.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

We hope to be exporting our products to different states and growing our brand.

About Twin Valley Distillers

Twin Valley Distillers is the first distillery in Montgomery County, brewing whiskey, bourbon, and other liquors.

Visit Twin Valley Distillers at 1029 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about Twin Valley Distillers at www.twinvalleyd.com

Follow Twin Valley Distillers on Facebook and Instagram

Business Spotlight: Downtown Brew’s

Handpicked wines, craft beers, and specialty coffees.

What does Downtown Brew’s offer?

We offer a wide selection of craft beers, fine wines, and specialty coffees. We also serve Peruvian food including ceviches, causas, sandwiches, and hot plates like aji de gallina and tuna acevichada.

What motivated the start of the business?

Our passion for hospitality and bringing people together. We believe in building a community to have fun and cultivate friendship around wine, coffee, beer, and food.

What makes Downtown Brew’s unique?

We don’t sell mainstream beer. We offer a diverse selection of local and imported brews, a carefully curated selection of wines, and our Peruvian cuisine sets us apart. Empathetic service is our passion, driving us to provide exceptional experiences. Efficiency is key, as we are always looking for ways to improve. Above all, fun is our signature, drawing in visitors and creating lasting connections.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

We love Rockville and have been in the area for 16 years. Rockville has great people and great food.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

In the future, we hope to expand to multiple locations.

About Downtown Brew’s

Downtown Brew’s is a cafe offering coffee, wine, and craft beer along with Peruvian cuisine.

Visit Downtown Brew’s at 5751-E Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20852

Learn more about Downtown Brew’s at www.dtbrews.com

Follow Downtown Brew’s on Facebook and Instagram

MilliporeSigma opens new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville

The new €290 million ($317 million) 23,000 SF facility streamlines MilliporeSigma's operations and is expected to bring new jobs to Rockville

Burlington, MA, Oct. 9, 2024 – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has opened its new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville, Maryland, USA. Biosafety testing and analytical development are fundamental components of drug development and commercialization for traditional and novel modalities. Global demand for these services is growing at a double-digit rate¹.

“This expansion is the largest investment in contract testing in the company’s history and will allow us to drive automation and technology development in one integrated hub,” said Benjamin Hein, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “It reflects our commitment to providing our clients with disruptive platforms that shorten biosafety testing timelines, meet the growing global demand, and ensure the safety of the world’s medicines for patients.”

The 23,000-square-meter facility will house biosafety testing, analytical development, and cell banking manufacturing services. It consolidates labs currently spread across four buildings into a single facility. This will increase collaboration between scientists and enable a higher level of automation and digitalization to increase Right First Time (RFT).

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has made significant investments over the last five years to expand its biosafety testing capabilities for clients across the globe. The company’s global biosafety testing network includes sites in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Stirling and Glasgow, UK; and Rockville, MD, USA.

The new site will feature advanced testing capabilities, including a rapid methods package, designed to accelerate virus testing of bulk harvest material. This package is the first to include the Blazar^® CHO Animal Origin Free (AOF) panel, a targeted molecular method for detecting virus families. By combining the Blazar^® CHO AOF panel with assays for mycoplasma, sterility, and retrovirus-like particle detection, test results can be obtained in just 14 days, compared to 35 days with traditional assay methods.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, offers a broad multi-modality testing portfolio, which features disruptive platforms that reduce biosafety testing timelines and deliver the highest quality standards. The portfolio includes a rapid methods package with the Blazar^® CHO AOF panel, and the recently launched Aptegra™ platform, the first all-in-one, validated genetic stability assay of its kind. These innovations will enable the company to continue delivering high-quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients more quickly and safely.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 27,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. Learn more at https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en

¹ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/biological-safety-testing-market

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Link to press release: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/collections/press/new-biosafety-facility-rockville-md

Rockville named No. 1 Small City in Maryland

WalletHub's 2024 study compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000

Article originally published by Rockville Reports on October 2, 2024

Rockville has been named the best small city for livability in Maryland, according to WalletHub rankings released this week.

WalletHub compared 1,318 cities in the U.S. across five key dimensions: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Those five dimensions were further evaluated through 45 relevant metrics, each on a 100-point scale, such as median household income, home ownership, school system quality, health, crime rates and quality of life.

In all, 37 towns and cities in Maryland were ranked, of which the top five by percentile score were Rockville, Annapolis, Frederick, Bethesda and Ellicott City.

Cities were selected with population sizes between 25,000 and 100,000 that are considered the “city proper” in each case, excluding cities in the surrounding metro area.

Rockville has ranked highly in previous WalletHub and other studies for its ethnic diversity and livability, as well as by its own residents in biennial community surveys the city conducts.

Read about the study on WalletHub’s website.

Business Spotlight: MasPanadas

"Flavor filled pockets of goodness!"

What does MasPanadas offer?

At the heart of our endeavor lies our inaugural product line: MasPanadas, where we embrace the ethos of ‘MAS’ in every aspect. There are no compromises when it comes to convenience, taste, or nutrition. From freezer to table in mere minutes, our empanadas—handheld pockets of flavor—feature impeccably sourced ingredients suitable for any kitchen. Versatile for every occasion—be it a hearty meal, a delectable appetizer, or a satisfying snack—each one is infused with the rich heritage of Latin American culinary tradition.

MasPanadas offer real food for life in the fast lane. Based on typical Hispanic street foods, MasPanadas offer the convenience and portability of fast food and the wholesomeness of a homemade meal for the whole family: a balanced bite in a pocket. This complete snack can be prepared in minutes and is ready to go with you anywhere: microwavable, no utensils needed, high in protein and fiber, and packed with veggies.

What motivated the start of the business?

It was, in a sense, an ‘accidental’ journey. As a native Colombian, I fled to the US 24 years ago when my family faced extortion by a guerrilla group. Determined to turn adversity into opportunity, I focused on my studies, earning both a PhD in science and an MBA. The true depth of separation from family and community hit me when I juggled raising two young boys, managing a newborn, and maintaining a full-time job. Desperate for support, a family friend came to our aid. To keep her with us, we embarked on a venture with a cultural twist—a modern Latin American catering company, designed not only to fulfill a business need but also to secure her visa as our chef. As our business gained traction, we discovered that empanadas were our bestsellers, uncovering a genuine opportunity in the frozen foods market.

What makes MasPanadas unique?

Authentic Latin American Flavors with a Modern Twist: MasPanadas offers traditional Latin American flavors that have been elevated with modern culinary techniques and ingredients. This blend of authenticity and innovation appeals to consumers looking for a fresh take on familiar favorites.

Focus on Nutrition and Clean Eating: MasPanadas prioritizes nutrition and clean eating by using high-quality, wholesome ingredients. Each empanada is crafted with care, ensuring that consumers can enjoy a convenient meal without sacrificing healthfulness.

Convenience without Compromise: MasPanadas delivers convenience without compromising on taste or nutrition. From freezer to table in minutes, these handheld pockets of flavor provide a quick and satisfying meal option for busy individuals and families.

Versatility for Every Occasion: Whether enjoyed as a meal, appetizer, or snack, MasPanadas are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Their portability and ease of preparation make them ideal for on-the-go consumption or entertaining guests.

Empowerment of Vulnerable Women: MasPanadas goes beyond just being a food company by actively empowering vulnerable women through employment opportunities. By hiring and supporting these individuals, MasPanadas not only enriches their lives but also contributes to the community in a meaningful way.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Opportunity. There was a kitchen space readily available with everything we needed to continue scaling once we outgrew the incubator kitchen.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

We hope to be the go-to empanada brand across the US!!

About MasPanadas

Latin Goodness Foods keeps you going by providing a better-for-you, clean take on convenient food options inspired in Hispanic tradition. Offering delicious, authentically Latin-inspired, modern recipes from a Colombian founder with a compelling personal story and meaningful social mission. Its first brand is MasPanadas, an elevated version of a “Hot Pocket.” This complete snack or light meal is convenient yet wholesome: microwavable, no utensils needed, high in protein and fiber, and packed with veggies. They are right for the whole family, fitting just as well with a glass of wine as with a juice box.

MasPanadas is located at 14672-B Southlawn Lane, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about MasPanadas at www.maspanadas.com

Follow MasPanadas on Facebook and Instagram

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