The LEED® Gold Certified Synergy Center features a wellness center, the latest in technology connectivity and an innovative, open work environment to enhance employee experience
WESTBROOK, Maine, June 30, 2014—IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX) celebrated its 30th anniversary with an official ribbon-cutting at the Synergy Center, the new LEED® Gold Certified administrative office building in Westbrook. IDEXX Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ayers was joined by Maine Governor Paul LePage, Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative Mike Michaud and other officials to celebrate the completion of IDEXX's $35 million expansion at its World Campus. The new Synergy Center will accommodate up to 300 employees, and IDEXX has added more than 240 jobs since breaking ground just two years ago. The company now employs more than 2,100 people at its World Campus in Westbrook.
With the addition of the Synergy Center, the campus offers more than 750,000 square feet of collaborative, laboratory and operations space, plus an international food court, a world class fitness center, and a walk-in clinic managed by Intermed. The Synergy Center was designed to improve employee collaboration through the use of a dynamic, open layout, flexible workspaces and the latest in connective technology to foster the cross-pollination of ideas.
Reflective of IDEXX's commitment to a healthy environment as fundamental to employee wellness, the new eco-friendly design of the 107,700-square-foot three-story facility was also lauded for receiving U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) Gold certification. Strategic use of natural lighting, energy-efficient systems and green roofing materials, coupled with low-toxin, locally sourced and largely recycled materials, enabled the Synergy Center to more than reach this goal.
Governor Paul LePage congratulated IDEXX, Maine's largest public company, on the completion of the project. "It's satisfying to see a company like IDEXX thrive here in Maine while doing business on a global scale. Congratulations on your success and thank you for your ongoing commitment to investing in Maine's economy and providing great careers for Maine people," said Governor LePage.
"I am pleased to celebrate the addition of the Synergy Center to the IDEXX campus right here in Westbrook. We are so proud that IDEXX, a world leader in the biotech industry, chose this location for its beautiful new building." said Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton. "IDEXX is a valued community partner, and we're happy they will call Westbrook 'home' for years to come."
According to CEO Jonathan Ayers, the Synergy Center reflects IDEXX's consistent growth as well as the company's commitment to foster sustainability and employee engagement. "Since the 2007 recession, IDEXX has achieved over 30% employment growth in Maine by creating more than 465 new jobs, and today more than one-third of our global employees are proud to live and work in this great State. The opening of the Synergy Center is a milestone event for IDEXX. Employee innovation has been the foundation of IDEXX's success for the past 30 years. The Synergy Center was carefully designed to enhance the daily lives and well-being of our employees, and to do so in an environmentally friendly way. Our employees are our most valuable asset," said Ayers.
Worldwide, IDEXX employs more than 5,900 people who are focused on keeping animals healthy and milk and water safe through the development and manufacture of innovative diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. The campus in Westbrook serves as the company's worldwide headquarters, and IDEXX employees represent numerous career fields including research and development, sales and marketing, manufacturing and operations, information technology, human resources, communications, finance, legal and business development.
"We are proud to grow in Maine and to continue to give back to the state by creating good jobs and contributing to our many communities through programs like the Global IDEXX Volunteer Efforts (GiVE), which provides all full- and part-time employees 2 paid days each year to volunteer at a charity of their choice," said Ayers. "Through a combination of quality products and services for our customers, as well as our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and the communities where we work, IDEXX is making the world a better place."
Construction management services for the Synergy Center project were provided by PC Construction Company of Portland, Maine. The project supported 60 area contractors, providing jobs to about 450 Maine workers.
The Synergy Center was designed by the architectural firm of Lavallee, Brensinger and Associates (Manchester, NH). Engineering firms were Deluca Hoffman Associates (South Portland, ME), Souza True Engineers (Waltham, MA) and AHA Engineers (Lexington, MA). Stibler Associates (Manchester, NH) provided interior design services.
About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for livestock and poultry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 5,900 people and offers products to customers in over 175 countries.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by the Company pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, at various SEC reference facilities in the United States and via the Company's website at www.idexx.com).
Contact: Betsy Richards, Manager, Public and Community Relations, (207) 329-1488