Aldevron, a North Dakota Biotech Company, Announces Expansion in Madison, WI.

MADISON, Wis. -- Aldevron, a biotechnology company based in Fargo, ND, has today announced that the company is expanding into Madison, WI. The new division will produce and sell contract research and manufacturing services marketed under the Aldevron brand. Aldevron Madison has already hired several people and is expected to grow to 20 employees within the company's first two years of operation. Aldevron's operation will be located in the University Research Park.

According to Michael Chambers, President and CEO of Aldevron, the high level of local biotechnology activity made the expansion attractive. "We recognize the strong pool of scientific and business talent in Madison," said Chambers. "We are honored to be part of the growing biotech community in the State of Wisconsin."

Tom Foti has been appointed Vice President & General Manager of Aldevron and will lead the Madison division. "We are excited about the opportunity to build research and production teams in Madison that complement Aldevron's existing service platforms," said Foti. "We very much appreciate Aldevron's commitment to Madison and look forward to building a strong connection with the existing Aldevron sites in Fargo, ND and Freiburg, Germany."

The Wisconsin State Government has been very supportive of Aldevron plans in Madison and they have worked closely with Governor Doyle's team in the Commerce Department. "I am working hard as Governor to build on Wisconsin's strengths in biotechnology, providing the resources and the infrastructure necessary for this industry to grow and prosper," Governor Doyle said. "It's my pleasure to welcome Aldevron's new division to Wisconsin, and I am grateful for the company's commitment to our state. I look forward to a strong and effective partnership with Aldevron."

Chambers and Foti share a common link in that they are both graduates of North Dakota State University's biotechnology and microbiology programs.

Company Information:

Aldevron is the leading provider of plasmid DNA for use in research, diagnostic and clinical applications. Aldevron provides services to many biopharmaceutical companies, life science tools & technology companies, as well as government and academic research groups. The company has developed quality systems and novel technology that allows for more cost-effective production of biological molecules that are used globally in preclinical and clinical research. Aldevron has been in operation since 1998.