Genzyme Expands Storage in Northborough

The Board of Selectmen gave the Genzyme Corporation, located at 11 Forbes Rd., the thumbs up to expand its on-site storage of oxidizing gas from 9,000 cube feet to 25,000 cubic feet.

The Northborough facility, built in 2009 as reported by the Worcester Business Journal, it is one of hundreds worldwide.

"Founded in 1981 in Boston, Massachusetts, Genzyme evolved from a tiny start-up to one of the world's leading biotech companies," reads its website, "with nearly 10,000 employees and operations in every region of the globe. Acquired by Sanofi in 2011, Genzyme now benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients."

The refurbished Northborough facility, which is 254,095 square feet, plans to expand by increasing the amount of oxidized gas on site in order to support the manufacturing plants.

"Oxidizing gas is anything that has more oxygen than that of the atmospheric gases we breathe every day," explained Michael Pippos, manager of health and safety at the Northborough Genzyme facility. "It's what you find in medical-grade gases in hospitals. We use these materials in our manufacturing process."

Currently, the Northborough facility has 3,000 cubic feet of gas permitted for raw materials, and plans to add 6,000 cubic feet of oxidizing gas within the warehouse and FDA-rated cabinets. Genzyme is also planning to store 16,000 cubic feet of gas cylinders in the storage cabinets.

Prior to requesting the licensing change from the board, Genzyme acquired all the appropriate approvals on the state and local level, including an FDA inspection in February, and a meeting requirements with the Northborough Fire Department and building inspector.

"With a small quality laboratory sample taken from each cylinder, the majority of cylinders are never opened for use in Northborough," said Pippos. "In the unlikely event that something went wrong, we do have an emergency plan reviewed by the Northborough Fire Department, and we have 24-7 on-site monitors on the facility, planned drills and exercise, a spill response team and contract with environmental contractor."

The oxidized gas is not "lammable, but combustible, meaning if a fire were to break out in the facility, the gas would accelerate it more quickly.

"This room has no ablity to produce a spark in it or trip a catastrophic fire or explosion," said Northborough Fire Chief David Durgin. "The building is built and designed so it would blow out itself. This is a very technically designed room for this type of purpose." 

By the end of the year, the Northborough facility will employ about 185 people, and plans to have a grand opening.