$100M Bioanalytics Center in Michigan Opened by Life Science Group

Sartorius, a Germany-based life science research and biopharmaceutical company, has recently completed construction on a $100 million, 130,000-square-foot facility in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Center of Excellence for bioanalytics was built at the Tech Loop at Research Park two years ago after acquiring 16 acres of land. The project was designed by Hobbs+ Black Architects and constructed by J.S. Vig Construction Co.

This new facility will provide highly automated bioanalytical solutions for the development of biopharmaceutical drugs. With about 140 current employees, Sartorius plans to more than double its workforce within the next few years. The flagship location at 3874 Research Park Drive will consolidate existing sites and functions in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, while also allowing for future expansion.

Sartorius has been in the city for several years following the acquisitions of Essen BioScience in 2017 and SoloHill in 2020. The company, with about 60 production and sales sites worldwide, employs approximately 2,600 people at 12 locations in North America. Ann Arbor was chosen for its strategic location near customers and universities, providing access to talent, technology, and logistical support.

The Center of Excellence will have various functions, including manufacturing and services areas, biology labs, warehouse, office and training spaces, and a Customer Interaction Center. Sartorius will develop and manufacture a range of bioanalytical instruments at the site, focusing on advanced solutions to assist customers in developing drugs to cure, prevent, and treat diseases. Additionally, the facility will offer particle validation services and produce microcarriers for cell culture processes.

Sartorius is pursuing LEED gold certification for the property, incorporating sustainable features like a green energy supply from 200-kilowatt solar panels, 30 electric vehicle charging stations, and a storm runoff pond at Research Park to prevent flooding and erosion.