Waiting Game At Genzyme
Talk about innovation, technology and good jobs in Central Massachusetts and there's a good chance you're talking about biotechnology. Talk about biotechnology for more than a few minutes and there's a good chance you'll get to Genzyme.
The company, which was bought by French drug-maker Sanofi-Aventis in April, employs more than 2,500 people in Central Massachusetts, and it's in the process of finishing a plant in Framingham that is expected to bring in 300 more employees.
But Sanofi and Genzyme recently announced that many workers will soon leave the Genzyme umbrella, at least as far as Sanofi's reporting structure is concerned. Those working in personalized genetic health and on the company's multiple sclerosis project will remain part of Genzyme. Others, who work in biosurgery or renal treatments, will report to Sanofi.
Genzyme spokeswoman Erin Emlock said it's too soon to know what that will mean to the company's operations in the MetroWest area. Employees in research and development, administration and even manufacturing may work both in areas that will remain part of Genzyme and in ones that won't. The company is still working out where those workers will end up in the corporate structure.
"These are the questions that everyone's asking now," Emlock said.
According to a report in the Bosont Globe, Sanofi plans to coordinate existing Genzyme and Sanofi research through a new division called the Sanofi Boston R&D Hub. Genzyme's Framingham research work will operate within Sanofi Boston R&D as the Genzyme R&D Center.
Emlock said Sanofi remains committed to the MetroWest area - in fact, expanding its presence in the Massachusetts biotechnology industry was one of its reasons for acquiring Genzyme. But she said that doesn't rule out the possibility of layoffs as Sanofi considers whether some workers' job functions overlap - it's just too soon to know how significant they might be.
As to when any of these questions might be answered, Emlock said that's not clear either. She said Sanofi is trying to balance the need to get the decisions right with the anxiety created by a long wait.
Emlock said Genzyme's manufacturing operations in particular need to stay focused as they work to overcome production problems that have resulted in shortages of certain drugs.
Among the stakeholders watching the unfolding events closely is Bonnie Biocchi, president and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.
Biocchi said she's confident that Sanofi is committed to the area, a confidence that has been bolstered by watching the new facility in Framingham go up not far from her office. She said she recently noticed workers testing the fire alarms at the building.
"I think they are fully committed to grow here," she said.
The Framingham facility has been supported by a $14.3 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to help Framingham improve its wastewater system. The grant was given with the Genzyme facility in mind, but also helps other companies in the area and encourages more growth, particularly in biomanufacturing, according to the center's spokesman Angus McQuilken.
McQuilken said he's not worried about any major loss of Genzyme jobs in the area, though some consolidation is likely. He said Sanofi has made a concerted effort to maintain the Genzyme brand and talent, and he thinks it's a good sign that no big layoffs have been announced since April.
"I think people are taking a wait and see attitude about it," he said.
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