Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - The economic development ripple effects from IMA Life North America opening a 120,000-square-foot plant in the Town of Tonawanda has the potential run deep.
IMA Life, part of the Italian-based IMA Group, invested nearly $34 million to build the complex that doubles as office space and its North American headquarters and an advanced life sciences production center whose clients include such big pharma clients as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer.
"This is one of the jewels in our family," said Alberto Vacchi, IMA Group chairman and CEO.
IMA Life has been in the region for more than 30 years -beginning as a small, start-up operation to one now that employs more than 200 people.
"This center is opening a new chapter in our story," said Ernesto Renzi, IMA Life North America Inc. president and sales director.
IMA Life considered a number of options and was heavily courted by other states, but a combination of a handsome incentive package crafted by the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and support from Empire State Development, the company opted to expand locally.
IMA Life has a production plant on Military Road in the Town of Tonawanda and that facility is being shifted to the new Colvin Woods Parkway site.
And, IMA Life is already considering another expansion of the Colvin Woods site.
"This is the type project that we need to see more and more of in the region." said Douglas Elia, Montante Construction president.
Montante Construction developed and built the new IMA Life complex.
Assemblyman Bill Conrad said IMA's "cutting edge" technology is something that should be encouraged by other local life sciences and advanced manufacturing firms.
IMA's primary product in a freeze-drying system that can convert vials of liquid medicines and other pharmaceutical products into a powered form that is shelf-stable and easy to transport.
"It's great to see this expansion but it also great to see them considering another expansion," Conrad said.
IMA Life North America opens its $34 million office and production complex
IMA Life North America opens its $34 million office and production complex
