Pfizer has opened a new headquarters in New London, Connecticut for its research division, Pfizer Global Research and Development, the largest privately funded biomedical research enterprise in the world. The 750,000 square-foot facility is headquarters for the company's cutting-edge medical research programs involving more than 12,000 Pfizer researchers around the world.
"The opening of this new site is an important milestone for Pfizer, New London, and the state, but moreover for patients, their families, and physicians worldwide," said John F. Niblack, vice chairman, Pfizer Inc, and president, Pfizer Global Research and Development. "Here at this site, we are setting the pace for pharmaceutical research and development in the 21st century, a period that promises to see cures of some of the world's most critical ills. We intend to create more than our fair share of medical breakthroughs and the people working in this building in New London, Connecticut will play a major role in these successes."
"Pfizer's decision to create the largest in-state business expansion in Connecticut history is changing the landscape of New London and the economy of the region," said Governor John G. Rowland. "Connecticut's emerging position as a global leader in biomedical research holds great significance for the state. The headquarters facility is creating a critical mass of new jobs and new life changing drugs that will improve the quality of life for all of our citizens."
Pfizer in 1998 announced that it would purchase and complete environmental remediation of the New London site to accommodate the company's growing R&D operations. At the same time the company, city and state recognized the new headquarters' potential to catalyze revitalization of New London, a historic American city that had fallen into economic decline.
The world-class $294 million Pfizer Research and Development Headquarters can house up to 2,100 highly skilled employees. It additionally includes a child care facility; a cafeteria seating 550; a credit union and fitness center, parking garage for 1,790 cars, helipad, and ferry dock for employees commuting between Pfizer's Groton laboratories and the New London R&D headquarters.
As part of the 22-acre environmental remediation, Pfizer, working with non-profit and educational groups, has restored the estuary adjacent to the peninsula. Once a repository for run-off from a neighboring scrap metal yard, the creek today is a viable habitat for aquatic wildlife. Its restoration continues as a model for a public/private community educational program.