BioArk is on a roll! The Monthey-based technology site, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, inaugurated its third building on Friday. The new showcase, which houses companies specializing in life sciences and biotechnology, is already virtually full. It’s proof that The Ark’s model of bringing together companies, research institutes, industry and training on a single site meets a real need in the economy. It’s also a success story for the Monthey region, where the number of employees at the site has grown steadily since its creation in 2003.
The site’s third building was inaugurated in the presence of Christophe Darbellay, Head of the Department of Economy and Education, Stéphane Coppey, President of the City of Monthey, Jean-Marc Tornare, President of BioArk, and Frédéric Bagnoud, Secretary of The Ark Foundation. Around 50 guests attended the official part, during which the various speakers emphasized the importance of BioArk to the region’s economic development. “This blend of training, innovation and industrialization is without doubt the recipe for success of the strategy put in place by the Canton of Valais and implemented via The Ark Foundation,” emphasized Christophe Darbellay.
Just inaugurated, already fully booked!
With this third building, BioArk’s technology site in Monthey now boasts over 10,000 m2 of working space. This new high-tech showcase offers a revolutionary, multifunctional “plug-and-play” configuration. Start-ups and SMEs have access to all the facilities they need, in modular sizes.
This third building, which reflects a constantly growing need, is already practically out of available floor space. Expansion projects are in the pipeline, a sign of Valais’ excellent attractiveness in the biotech sector. “Our aim is to anticipate future needs. We’re looking ahead to the future of BioArk, so that we’re ready when companies approach us to set up shop here”, explains the site’s managing director, Jean-Marc Tornare.
Open Doors Day on October 14
The public is invited to visit the BioArk site and meet its residents at an open day on Saturday, October 14, from 10am to 3pm. Various activities for young and old are on the program.
Press release : BioArk