WALSH STATEMENT ON BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB DECISION

(Syracuse, New York)- Congressman Jim Walsh issued the following statement today in response to Bristol-Myers Squibb's announcement that it will locate its new biologics plant in Devens, Massachusetts:

"I am disappointed that Bristol-Myers Squibb chose not to accept the competitive package put forth by New York to locate its facility in Onondaga County. 

"I am, however, extremely proud of the cooperative effort launched by the County of Onondaga and State of New York and supported by our region's federal representatives and business community to advance this local proposal.  This collaboration did everything right.

"While we came up short in our attempt to secure this first major manufacturing facility for Bristol-Myers Squibb's emerging biologics initiative, the fact that its existing Syracuse facility will serve as a center of excellence in process development and early product launch holds much promise for the company's future in our community.

"Bristol-Myers Squibb is a strong company with great employees.  I am committed to continue working with company officials to advance its presence in Central New York.

"Much has been discussed about the benefits of the Research Triangle in North Carolina and the I-128 Tech Corridor in Massachusetts, which won this facility.  Perhaps today's decision is an important wake-up-call for what many of us have been working on for quite some time. 

"I'm calling today for a similar effort to better position our region's business opportunities, community resources, and educational and research institutions to create our own united front right here in the heart of New York State.  We must market Upstate New York's strengths as one."

END
 

(####)

Home | Press List