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BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The transformation of Eastern Pennsylvania from Rust Belt survivor into technology magnet took a huge step forward on April 2 when OraSure Technologies agreed to buy four acres (1.6 hectares) next to Bethlehem Works and build a 60,000-sq.-ft. (5,545-sq.-m.) building in the John M. Cook Technology Center.
OraSure was created in September 2000 following the merger of Epitope of Beaverton, Ore., and STC Technologies of Bethlehem. The firm develops, manufactures and markets medical devices and diagnostic products for use by public- and private-sector clients, clinical laboratories, physicians' offices and workplace testing.
"Several years ago, plans for a strip mall on this property threatened our Third and Fourth Street business neighbors, and so Bethlehem Steel took steps that have led to this growing technology development for the city," says Stephen G. Donches, vice president of public affairs for the Bethlehem Steel Corp. Donches is the executive in charge of the development of Bethlehem Works and the adjacent Bethlehem Commerce Center. "When Mike Gausling (founder of STC Technologies and an executive officer of OraSure) expressed to us an interest in leading an effort to design and build another technology center, we revised our plans to accommodate his plans, and we could not be more pleased with the outcome," says Donches.
OraSure plans to begin construction this fall, with the opening scheduled for summer of 2002. The opening is expected to coincide with the first phase of Bethlehem Works, a mixed-use development that will feature entertainment, recreational and cultural venues on Bethlehem Steel land.
"We look forward to working to attract other high-technology companies into Bethlehem and we expect tremendous demand for this project given the success of Tech Center II and the great plans envisioned at Bethlehem Works," says Gausling.
The investment group behind OraSure consists of Gausling and Sam Niedbala, also an STC founder, and Tony Boyle of Boyle Associates, a local construction management company that has been involved in numerous high-profile projects in Bethlehem.
"This technology center is helping to transform this area into a thriving location for new businesses," says Donches. "We are encouraged by the entrepreneurial commitment of Mike Gausling and his partners who are investing in our community and growing their business here."
The first building in the John M. Cook Technology Center opened in 1993 on Bethlehem Steel land purchased by a consortium of public and private investors. The second building opened in 2000, also on former Bethlehem Steel land, with OraSure as the major tenant. Both properties are now fully occupied.
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