Fitchburg Photo Gallery | Promega Breaks Ground On Fitchburg Expansion Project

The biotech industry in Dane County took another step forward on Thursday when biotech manufacturer Promega broke ground on a new expansion project in Fitchburg.

"Promega has really been growing over the last five years into what we call regulated markets," Jennifer Romanin, who will be among those leading the work at the new facility.

Promega's expansion will allow it to grow in an area that has seen increased demand, Romanin said. She said the facility will focus on creating complex kits that will be used by its customers to find answers to difficult questions in the medical industry.

"This is helping people so that they can work more with medical diagnostics and diagnose patients for treatments and care," Romanin said.

The boost isn't limited to the biotech industry, according to Fitchburg Mayor Shawn Pfaff.

"This is huge for Fitchburg," Pfaff said. "Promega is wonderful corporate partner, corporate citizen. They are investing nearly $100 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility."

Pfaff said the project will immediately create about 150 construction jobs, but over the next five years Promega has said it will hire about 100 people to work in the new facility.

"These are family-supporting, career-oriented jobs," Pfaff said. "We are honored to have them in Fitchburg."

Promega is a global company with manufacturing in China and California, but Romanin said it was her understanding that expanding its Fitchburg facility was the company's preference.

"I think they were always up front with us. They were always honest and I think they believed in Fitchburg … They could have gone to Japan, Asia and they chose Fitchburg and I'm glad they chose us," Pfaff said.

"We have a lot of people who live in the community, who walk or bike to work so there's a wonderful aspect of working in a community and having the neighborhoods around us," Romanin said.

The new jobs will be in science-related fields, but will average $80,000 per year, Promega officials said.

Fitchburg's mayor said the quality jobs are just part of the impact Promega's investment will have.

"This will spin off in the multiplier effect, with hotel rooms as people come to visit," Pfaff said. "It will put Fitchburg and Dane County on the map even more as a biotech leader and as a great place to live, work and raise a family."