Seventh Wave Laboratories, a consulting-based contract research organization (CRO), has purchased a 50,000 sq. ft. building in Maryland Heights, MO, which is more than three times the size of their current location, to enable strategic growth. Facility renovations will begin immediately and the gradual transition of all offices to the new space will occur in September.

“We are excited about this growth,” said John Sagartz, president, chief executive officer and founder of Seventh Wave Laboratories. “This expanded facility will enable us to better serve existing clients, attract new clients, grow existing services, and launch new ones.”

Sixty percent of the new space will be used for offices and laboratories. Plans for the remaining 40% include a vivarium, a wet lab and additional offices for future expansion. In fact, Seventh Wave has partnered with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the St. Louis Economic Development Partners to develop a multi-year, $11 million program that includes the hiring of 42 technical and scientific professionals over the next five years.

“With more than 50,000 workers employed in over 3,500 bioscience companies that call Missouri home, the Show-Me State is a hub for research and innovation,” said Governor Jay Nixon. “Seventh Wave’s decision to continue its growth right here in our state will help bring more discoveries from the laboratory to the market as well as create in-demand jobs in an emerging field.”

Since 2003, Seventh Wave has leased a 15,000 sq. ft. space as part of the St. Louis County Economic Council’s Enterprise Center. According to Joe Flynn, chief commercial officer, Seventh Wave Laboratories, the organization needed a space that could facilitate their current and projected growth; strategically and economically, leadership wanted to own the space they occupied.

“Seventh Wave’s management team conducted an exhaustive search of potential locations,” said Flynn. “This facility’s proximity to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport made it a frontrunner. This location will make it extremely convenient for our clients on the East and West Coasts—and around the world—to come to Seventh Wave.  It’s also a more convenient commute for the majority of our staff.”