NxGen MDx to invest $2.8 million, creating 37 new high-tech jobs

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (12/14/16) – The Right Place, Inc., along with its local and state partners in the City of Grand Rapids, has announced the approval of a Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) incentive that will bring 37 new high-tech, life science jobs and $2.8 million in new investment to Grand Rapids, Michigan over the next three years.

Grand Rapids-based NxGen MDx plans to expand at its current location, 801 Broadway Ave NW Suite 203, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The new expansion will increase the laboratory’s testing capacity and respond to increased customer demand expected to reach 300 percent over last year.

“We chose to launch NxGen in Grand Rapids back in 2014 within its prestigious medical corridor to offer our patients the very best and brightest of the genetics field,” said Kristin Sherman, Chief Financial Officer, NxGen MDx. “The expert support provided by The Right Place, combined with the collaborative resources of Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, made the decision easy on where the next chapter of our growth would take place.”

NxGen MDx is a Women’s Healthcare organization that offers genetic screening so patients can plan their reproductive journey. NxGen offers a variety of genetic screens for inherited diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Fragile X Syndrome. NxGen also provides best in class genetics counselors and customer service to ensure patients can easily understand their results. For more information on genetic screening and what Genetic screens NxGen offers visit www.nxgenmdx.com.

“Grand Rapids’ life sciences cluster continues to see significant growth, and NxGen is yet the latest example of that growth,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc. and project lead on the expansion. “Companies like NxGen are not only great for our community in terms of new jobs, but they also raise national awareness of West Michigan within the industry.”

The business development team at The Right Place worked to ensure NxGen’s expansion occurred in West Michigan over a competing location in Florida. By assembling a cross-functional team of state and local resources, the team was able to work with the MEDC and City of Grand Rapids to build an aggressive business retention/expansion incentive package.

The City of Grand Rapids is supportive of NxGen’s decision to expand in the city, bringing 37 new high-tech jobs to the community. The city is considering the approval of a local PA 328 Property Tax Abatement to provide support for NxGen’s capital investment.

“This project is exciting growth for a graduate of the Grand Rapids SmartZone life science incubator. NxGen MDx began as a tenant, graduated from our incubator in 2014 and has been experiencing growth since making their location decision within the City of Grand Rapids,” said Kara Wood, City of Grand Rapids, Managing Director of Economic Development Services. “The City looks forward to the continued success of this company, as they provide good paying jobs for local talent and support the growth of Grand Rapids’ life science industry cluster.”

West Michigan’s Life Science Cluster Growth

With over $2 billion of investments along Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile and life sciences corridor, West Michigan has reached a critical mass that has made the region a destination for breakthrough healthcare, research, and medical device development and manufacturing. The industry now employs over 57,000 in the 13-county region with average earnings of nearly $65,000 per year.

West Michigan’s life sciences industry has experienced 25.9 percent employment growth over the past 10 years, compared to the national average of 15.7 percent.