Kalexsyn ribbon cutting brings encouragement to Kalamazoo and the Governor
From L to R: Bill Johnstson, Chairman Southwest Michigan First; Dr. John Dunn, President Western Michigan University; David Zimmermann, CEO Kalexsyn; Governor Jennifer Granholm; Dr Robert Gadwood, President and Chief Scientific Officer Kalexsyn, Rep. Robert Jones
It’s been eight months since ground broke on Kalexsyn’s new research headquarters in Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan. On November 16th the building was officially opened by Michigan’s Governor Jennifer Granholm during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Kalexsyn is a medicinal chemistry contract research organization established in 2003 by two former long-time Pharmacia medicinal chemists, David Zimmermann and Dr. Robert Gadwood. The pair co-founded Kalexsyn following Pfizer’s decision to move some of its pharmaceutical research operations out of Kalamazoo.
“Today we are thrilled to cut the ribbon and move into our new facility in order to better serve our growing global customer base,” said Kalexsyn Chief Executive Officer, David Zimmermann. Kalexsyn President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Robert Gadwood adds, “Our vision has come to fruition after only 4 years of operation. This accomplishment is a result of the high quality and hard work of our staff.”
"Kalexsyn is a wonderful example of the kind of economic development that Western Michigan University had in mind when it launched the Business Technology and Research Park seven years ago," says Western Michigan University President Dr. John M. Dunn. "This is a young company with great potential and wonderful visionary leadership. We're enormously pleased that the firm has chosen to stay and invest and grow right here in Kalamazoo."
Kalexsyn’s new 20,000 square foot facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories and technology systems that meet the specialized requirements of Kalexsyn’s medicinal chemistry operations. This facility will allow the firm to increase its staff from 15 to 32 scientists. Total staff will increase from 24 employees to around 40. The company plans further expansion to provide laboratory space for up to 60 scientists.