RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner announced that GEO-CENTERS, INC. will locate a research facility in Prince William County’s INNOVATION @ Prince William Technology Business Park. The project will create 10-15 initial jobs. The location in INNOVATION @ Prince William provides a unique opportunity for GEO-CENTERS to conduct research along a broad array of biotechnological areas.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce & Trade Michael J. Schewel and Prince William County officials met with GEO-CENTERS, INC. President and CEO Dr. Edward P. Marram to close the deal at the company’s headquarters in Newton, Massachusetts.
“This project underscores Virginia’s commitment to companies in the defense and homeland security industry,” said Governor Warner. “I am pleased to welcome GEO-CENTERS’ facility and investment to the Commonwealth.”
GEO-CENTERS, INC. is a privately held company headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts that has been in business for over 25 years. GEO-CENTERS has over 950 employees in 40 work locations in 16 states. Scientific research, technology development, engineering, field testing, and project management are the core competencies of the company with specific expertise in chemistry, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, toxicology, materials science, chem/biosensors, nanotechnology, human factors performance and engineering, training and sustainment, and software development.
“This Research and Technology Center will enable GEO-CENTERS and our clients to expedite the commercialization and use of technologies that will enhance homeland defense worldwide,” said Dr. Edward P. Marram, President and CEO of GEO-CENTERS, INC.
“We chose INNOVATION@ Prince William Technology Business Park to locate our Corporate Technology R&D Center because of several important factors – excellent business climate, close proximity and access to the life science facilities of George Mason University (GMU), and the ability to work collaboratively with the students and faculty of GMU,” said Dr. R. Shashidhar, Corporate Research Director of GEO-CENTERS, INC.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and George Mason University assisted GEO-CENTERS, INC. with its location decision.
“Prince William County is pleased that such a renowned leader in life science research has decided to join our growing and dynamic business community,” said Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Sean T. Connaughton. “GEO-CENTERS’ decision to locate in Prince William County is another indicator that INNOVATION @ Prince William is fast becoming one of the most advantageous life science locations in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
“Initially, GMU will provide support in biology, chemistry and material science to GEO-CENTERS on existing federally funded research projects,” said Dr. Larry Czarda, Vice President of George Mason University’s Prince William Campus. “GEO-CENTERS will bring expertise in imaging and nanotechnology. Using these complementary skills, GMU and GEO-CENTERS will pursue federal funding for additional joint research projects.”