Phoenix Biotech Firm Innovaquartz' Groundbreaking Expansion
Dec. 13, 2002
Innovaquartz, the only FDA registered biotechnology firm in Arizona that
manufactures fused silica capillaries and optical fibers, is breaking ground
on its new state-of-the-art facility near I-17 and Deer Valley Road on Jan.
7, 2003.
The new facility will be 17,500 square feet, 4,500 square feet larger than
its current location on 32nd Street just south of Broadway Road in Phoenix.
Fused-silica capillaries and optical fibers are used for medical and industrial
applications.
"They enable the development of separations sciences, such as gas chromatography
and capillary electrophoresis," said Steve Griffin, analytical chemist and
company founder. "This science will allow the bioscience process of gene mapping
to go much faster. In short, within the next 10 years, a housewife will be
able to go to her doctor and receive a complete diagnosis of her ailments
due to the growing ability to rapidly study her specific genetic make up."
"The city of Phoenix has been working with Innovaquartz on its new facility.
We are excited about this company expansion as it adds to our growing biotechnology
base of companies," said Patrick Grady, Community and Economic Development
Department Director.
Innovaquartz is part of a $200 million industry, with few competitors that
provide similar products. The glass capillaries and optical fibers manufactured
at this company are widely used in laser surgery and other medical procedures.
Griffin said, "Our unique manufacturing processes provide consistent raw materials
which reduce complications and ultimately lowers costs to the medical provider."
The company, established in 1991, currently has four patents for its products
with eight applications pending. Innovaquartz employs 20 staff and has the
opportunity to expand to 30 at its new facility.
Most of the company's clients are in the United States but, with a larger
facility and more efficient production capability and the company's recent
CE Marking approval, it is already receiving additional inquiries from global
suppliers to meet an increased product demand.
Media Contact:
| Cynthia Weaver |
602-262-6180 |
| Janette Torres |
602-534-6122 |
