SRI Shenandoah Valley to Expand Operations
World-class research facility to add employees and laboratories
HARRISONBURG, Va., July 19, 2011 — SRI Shenandoah Valley has authorized the build-out of the remaining space in its 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art research facility in the Rockingham Center for Research and Technology.
SRI Shenandoah Valley is part of SRI International, an independent, nonprofit research institute conducting client-sponsored research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, foundations, and other organizations. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Area location is the headquarters of SRI's Center for Advanced Drug Research (CADRE), which focuses on improving the productivity of the pharmaceutical industry, helping the nation respond to bio-threats, and developing life-saving treatments for neglected and orphan diseases.
SRI Shenandoah Valley opened in 2009 on a 25-acre campus with 15 researchers and support staff. During the past two years, the total number of employees has grown to more than 45. With the build-out of additional laboratory space, SRI Shenandoah Valley will be able to accommodate 100 scientists, researchers and other staff members.
"To add to our research capabilities, we will construct additional wet laboratories and associated infrastructure in the existing facility," said CADRE Executive Director Krishna Kodukula, Ph.D. "The new labs are expected to be completed in the next nine months, allowing us to double our staff and research capacity."
"Our vision for SRI in the Rockingham Center for Research and Technology is coming to fruition," Rockingham County Chairman Michael A. Breeden said. "In coming years, we expect to build upon SRI's success by encouraging additional life sciences companies to move into the center, bringing jobs and new opportunities to county residents."
SRI Shenandoah Valley is one of several companies engaged in biotechnology and life sciences in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metro Area. It was established with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and partnerships with James Madison University (JMU), Rockingham County, the City of Harrisonburg, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.
"SRI's continuing growth in the Metro Area indicates that its life-saving research is appreciated and supported," said Joseph S. Paxton, Rockingham County administrator. "It also speaks volumes about the business-friendly climate and cooperation between academia, government and business that helps companies and research institutes be successful here in the Shenandoah Valley."
The Rockingham Center for Research and Technology, which is located in Rockingham County, Virginia, is a 325-acre development less than two hours from Washington, D.C., and other major Mid-Atlantic cities. Space for additional research-oriented companies in information technology, agricultural and crop science, life sciences and energy is available.
