PFIZER'S GIVEAWAY AIDS LABS, SCHOOLS

It's a going-out-of-business giveaway - just in time to replace your outdated mini vortexer or microtome cryostat.

For those breaking into the world of research and development in life sciences, there is at least $5.5 million worth of state-of-the-art valuables taken from Pfizer's soon-to-close Ann Arbor research facility that will be available to use on the cheap.

Last week, another load of Pfizer equipment was delivered to a warehouse in Ypsilanti managed in part by Ann Arbor SPARK, the area's economic development group.

Through an agreement with the group, the surplus equipment and supplies may be licensed for 1% of their market value for 3 years, said Joseph (Skip) Simms, the group's executive director.

Called the Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot, the project began more than a year ago when Pfizer donated $1 million in equipment to SPARK for Michigan's businesses. Friday's delivery was part of $4.5 million worth of equipment headed for start-up businesses. A list can be found at www.AnnArborUSA.org/MIED.

In the year since Pfizer announced it would close the Ann Arbor facility and shave jobs in other locations in Michigan, it has also shared the wealth with schools.

Pfizer turned over a 46-acre research campus in Holland to Michigan State University. And $1.25 million worth of goods is heading to MSU, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University.

About $250,000 in lab supplies will go to other schools.

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