The facility will house 200 of Battelle's science and technology staff. The business unit of R&D giant Battelle currently provides technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies, primarily in the area of chemical and biological defense and chemical demilitarization.

The 73,000-square foot facility will include offices, 16 chemistry and biology labs and a conference center.

"We're grateful to the State of Maryland and Harford County for their dedicated assistance in moving this project forward," said Battelle President and CEO Doug Olesen. "This move makes strategic sense for both Battelle and Harford County and we look forward to increasing our participation in Maryland's family of technology-based industries."

"Battelle's new center and the enhanced job growth that it will provide is the result of a unique and positive collaboration among the company, Harford County and the state of Maryland," said David S. Iannucci, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. "Battelle is a world-class technology company and its expanded presence here will strengthen Maryland's role in the development of a knowledge-based economy."

"Battelle embodies the purpose of the HEAT Center, and we are proud and grateful that this preeminent R&D technology company has chosen to locate in Harford County," said County Executive James M. Harkins. "I send our deepest thanks to our partners at the state of Maryland for helping us to realize our vision and strengthen our future."

Speakers at the event included: Thomas Sadowski, Harford County; U.S. Rep. Robert Ehrlich, Jr.; James Harkins, Harford County; David S. Iannucci, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development; Carolyn Evans, Maryland Transportation Authority; Gregory Frank, Battelle; and Doug Olesen, Battelle.

Battelle serves industry and government in the areas of technology development, laboratory management, and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle has annual revenues of nearly $1 billion, has operations at more than 70 locations and clients in 30 countries. It counts among its successes the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on the compact disc, medical technology breakthroughs, and fiber optic advancements for telecommunications.

For more information, contact Media Relations Manager Katy Delaney at (614) 424-5544 or at delaneyk@battelle .org or visit our website at www.battelle.org.