Greenwood Genetic Center to add new diagnostic laboratory operations and create 15 new positions
GREENWOOD, SC – January 12, 2017 – Greenwood, S.C., continues to increase its role and competitiveness as an international provider of genetic services with the commitment of more than $5.4 million from the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) to expand and enhance molecular and metabolomic testing. This investment will bring new technologies and equipment, an expanded diagnostic test menu and enhanced efficiencies to the Center’s Harold A. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratories in Greenwood.
In addition, future money allocated in the recently passed Greenwood County Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum will be used to run a new telecommunications network throughout the GGC campus that will allow for high speed data capabilities, further enhancing their diagnostic, research, educational and clinical capabilities.
“Current genetic testing practices require the newest molecular and metabolomic platforms. The methods involved require a high level of precision combined with state-of-the-art equipment, well-qualified personnel and bioinformatic solutions to manage the extremely large datasets that are produced on a daily basis. This investment lays new groundwork and allows us to further our commitment in the demanding and ever-changing world of clinical diagnostics,” said Mike Friez, PhD, Director of the GGC’s Diagnostic Laboratories.
According to Friez, the expansion will also allow for the hiring of additional laboratory technologists and scientists to develop and implement the new tests, as well as staff to enhance future marketing strategies.
Currently the Greenwood Genetic Center employs 170 people, including 36 MDs and PhDs, and provides over 27,000 laboratory tests annually.
“This investment is critical in maintaining our international leadership role in diagnostic genetic testing and will facilitate our ability to recruit academic and industry relationships that are critical to the economic development and growth of the Center and the surrounding Partnership Campus, said Steve Skinner, M.D., Director of the GGC. “Most importantly, this investment will ensure that the patients and families that we serve will have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic testing right here in Greenwood, S.C.”
“I am excited to see the Greenwood Genetic Center continue to grow, and even more so, grow into areas of increased capabilities for fruitful partnerships and industry-related contract work, “ noted Heather Simmons Jones, chief executive officer of Greenwood Partnership Alliance, the public-private partnership tasked with enhancing the economic growth of Greenwood County. “The model of adding increased revenue while connecting with companies committed to cutting-edge treatment and clinical trial activities, only accentuates the great work being done on-site in Greenwood.”
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About Greenwood Genetic Center and GGC Foundation
The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects. At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics. GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve. GGC extends its reach as a resource to all residents of South Carolina with satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. The GGC Foundation provides philanthropic financial support for the mission of the Center. For more information about GGC or the GGC Foundation please visit www.ggc.org.
About Greenwood Partnership Alliance
The Greenwood Partnership Alliance is a non-profit organization established to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenwood County. Since 1994, GPA efforts have resulted in announcement of more than 3,451 new jobs and more than $1.6 billion in capital investment in Greenwood County, SC. To learn more, call (864) 388-1250 or visit www.PartnershipAlliance.com.
