by Wendy McCardle - Altoona Mirror
EVERETT — Using state-of-the-art equipment to produce tests to detect abnormalities such as colon cancer or drug use, Lampire Biological Laboratories has had an effect on thousands of people around the world. Now, as the company marks its 30th anniversary, the unveiling of its Everett Bioprocessing Laboratory gives the local community another reason to celebrate. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday for the $2 million project, which began with gutting a former textile manufacturing plant at Everett Business Park on Route 26. From there, the space was transformed into an 18,000-square-foot facility that will be used for immunochemistry services, processing and packaging blood products and manufacturing diagnostic reagents and controls. More importantly to Bedford County residents, however, is the 100 senior scientists, technicians, support and administrative personnel jobs created with the laboratory opening. Lampire will have a $2 million payroll in the county, as well as $8 million worth of company investment in the area. Among speakers and presenters Friday were former congressman Bud Shuster; U.S. Rep Bill Shuster, R-9th District; county Commissioners Steve Howsare, Michael Shaffer and Glenora Faupel; James Greenwood, president and chief executive officer of Biotechnology Industry Organization; and Dennis ‘‘Mickey’’ Flynn, president of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Industry Organization. Allen Sell, assistant superintendent of Bedford Area School District and former director of the Bedford County Technical Center, spoke about the company’s impact on the local education system. ‘‘The connection of our agricultural heritage and the cutting-edge technology was a perfect match,’’ Sell said.
Students from the tech center's biotechnology program toured the site, which includes walk-in freezers and several laboratories.
State Rep. Dick Hess, R-Bedford, read a citation from the state House and thanked company President Gregory Krug for "improving the quality of life" in Bedford County.
"I applaud them for their hard work and steadfastness over the last 30 years," Hess said of Krug and other company officials.
State Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr., R-Blair, echoed Hess' sentiments.
"I'm very proud of what he's doing here," Eichelberger said. "I wish him and everybody at Lampire the very best."
An emotional Krug, choking back tears, said it wasn't about him.
"It's not me," he said. "It's not us. It's many. It goes deep."
Krug said the county has welcomed the company with open arms and has provided him support, as have state officials, his mentors and family members.
He also said the work done at Lampire can change the lives of thousands of people.
"To know that the things you're touching are touching human life somewhere is so important," he said. "The road that we're starting is opening up new doors."
For more information about Lampire, visit www.lampire.com.
Mirror Staff Writer Wendy McCardle is at 946-7520.