New site woos biotech firms to the Bay State

Several local agencies unveiled today an online site selection tool to help biotech companies interested in operating in Massachusetts.

The tool's online address is www.MassachusettsSiteFinder.com, and its launch coincides with Bio International Convention, a large biotechnology convention now underway in Boston.

The tool aims to help biotech companies from around the world to identify suitable Massachusetts properties that meet their manufacturing and lab space needs, the groups said.

Behind the site are the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development, and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

"With more than 500 biotechnology and medical device companies and the nation's top teaching hospitals, Massachusetts has emerged as a world leader in the biotech industry," Bob Coughlin, undersecretary for business development for Massachusetts, said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)