Southern Research on Monday announced that it has closed on the sale of its Maryland facility as part of the organization’s plan to spur investment and launch new facilities in Birmingham.
The sale paves the way for the research non-profit to invest nearly $20 million in its Birmingham campus, which will bring an additional 50 jobs to the Yellowhammer State. Southern Research’s founding dates back to 1941, when it was established in Birmingham.
Josh Carpenter, president and CEO of Southern Research, said the selling of its facility in Frederick, Maryland, opens the door for the organization to direct resources to its Alabama-based operations.
“Selling the Frederick facility is part of our strategic plan for the future of Southern Research,” said Carpenter. “We plan to invest in new facilities in Birmingham and greatly expand our infectious disease capabilities to address current and emerging threats.”
According to the non-profit, Southern Research has involved itself in COVID-19 response since the pandemic’s inception in 2020. The organization has directed more than $30 million in research and development on virus testing, treatment and vaccine development.
Southern Research and Tonix, the organization which purchased the Maryland site, have collaborated on a COVID-19 vaccine that is currently in clinical trials. The partnership will continue as Southern Research will move forward with working on vaccines and antivirals at its Birmingham campus.
“By consolidating our work here in Birmingham, we are not just transferring existing jobs to Alabama,” added Carpenter. “We are also freeing up resources that will enable us to create even more jobs and economic impact in the future. The best days for Southern Research are still to come.”
Southern Research is an independent, non-profit scientific research organization which conducts work with its scientists and engineers across three divisions: Life Sciences, Engineering, and Energy & Environment.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
