Critical Mass. Abcam wants 300 for new Boston area base

Cambridge life sciences influencer Abcam plans to boost headcount from 160 to 300 at its major new site in Waltham Massachusetts.

The new facility is key to Abcam’s US growth – reinforcing its commitment to support the research and biopharma sector globally and serving as a hub for the company’s R & D and commercial activities in the region.

Abcam is a global innovator in life sciences reagents and tools. The 100,000 sq ft site will increase the company’s flexibility, scale and capacity in R & D, production, distribution, and customer service required to address the increasing needs of the life sciences sector.

The facility more than doubles Abcam’s capacity from its previous site in Kendall Square, Cambridge MA. The opening follows Abcam’s listing on NASDAQ in October 2020 and the establishment of its new cell engineering facility in the Bay Area in December.

The ability to provide critical reagents to support research in all areas of the life sciences is vital to enable scientific breakthroughs that underpin the rapid development of diagnostics, vaccines, and potential therapeutics.

Abcam CEO Alan Hirzel said: “Abcam’s first step toward global expansion was in 2003 at Kendall Square. Since then, the US has become our largest market.

“Investing in and expanding our presence in the vibrant Greater Boston cluster is another step in our journey to support biopharma partners and life science researchers globally in their quest to accelerate discovery and the translation of these discoveries into improved human health outcomes.”

Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, president and COO at MassBio, added: “Massachusetts continues to attract life sciences companies from across the globe who come here to access our leading academic and medical institutions, diverse talent, a supportive government and a robust startup community.

“We are thrilled to see Abcam outgrow its presence in Kendall Square and expand to Waltham, an area of growing interest for life sciences companies and one that is positioned for explosive growth in the coming years.”