Pennsylvania’s First Autonomous Shuttle Coming to the Philadelphia Navy Yard in December
PRESS RELEASE
Pennsylvania’s first autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this December. This comes off the heels of Governor Tom Wolf signing HB 2398, an AV bill which allows for the testing and full commercial deployment of AVs on Pennsylvania roads, into law November 3.
Beginning in December, the zero-emissions shuttle pilot will consist of testing, training, and analyzing the shuttle’s performance at the Navy Yard.
Once this testing is complete in early 2023, Phase 1 of the full deployment will augment existing transportation services between key locations within the Navy Yard, and then in Phase 2 will connect the Navy Yard to SEPTA’s NRG Station on the Broad Street subway line and adjacent to the Sports Complex and FDR Park.
The project took a step forward in February 2022 when PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, awarded Perrone Robotics, Inc. a two-phased AV shuttle and services contract. The pilot AV shuttle is funded by the Travel Options Program, a grant program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The Travel Options Program is an ongoing regional initiative that awards funds for innovative projects to provide better access to more travel options, while meeting the goals of climate action and air quality improvement, equity, reliability, freedom of choice, and affordability.
“The idea behind the Travel Options Program is to fund innovative projects that expand accessibility to and encourage the use of alternatives to driving alone, and we are pleased to fund the first AV shuttle in Greater Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “This exciting project will enhance accessibility to jobs and amenities in the Navy Yard and potentially cut the use of single occupancy vehicles while reducing emissions. It is the culmination of ongoing public-private partnerships, and many years of planning related to new technologies and is just the start of adding more electric and AV vehicles to the menu of travel options in our region.”
This project will enhance Navy Yard access and also help to reduce congestion and carbon emissions for the region. The Navy Yard AV shuttle deployment will include a backup operator on board during the pilot. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will oversee regulatory approvals and is partnering with researchers at Drexel University to analyze shuttle performance and rider feedback to inform future deployments. The infrastructure consulting firm AECOM assisted the grant proposal, and through its existing contracts with PennDOT will be providing overall program management, technical planning, testing, and deployment expertise.
“We are honored and excited to be part of this forward-thinking program with PIDC, DVRPC, PennDOT, AECOM, and Drexel University, to bring the world’s first automated Buy America, FMVSS, and ADA-compliant transit van to the city of Philadelphia,” said Paul Perrone, CEO and founder of Perrone Robotics. “This program will be a national example of the power of private-public partnerships to connect communities through safety-enhanced mobility solutions. We look forward to providing our TONY AV driver for the streets of Philadelphia and beyond to meet the growing demand across the United States and worldwide.”
“This is an exciting project, and AECOM is proud to partner with PennDOT, PIDC, the City, and DVRPC to bring the AV shuttle to Philadelphia.” said Michael Girman, Senior Vice President, Transportation, AECOM. “Management of congestion, particularly during construction, is a substantial concern when creating more equitable and efficient transportation infrastructure, and we are always looking for innovative and collaborative ways to solve our region’s transportation challenges.”
“The Drexel University team, which includes Professors Dimitrios Fafalis and Divya Bhargava and their students in the College of Engineering, is delighted to be part of this pilot program,” said Jonathan Spanier, Professor and Head, Drexel University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. “Drexel’s participation is well-aligned with two strategic priorities of Drexel 2030. This project harnesses the power of partnership with PennDOT and other transportation infrastructure stakeholders in the region. It also supports the empowering of students to be purpose-driven global citizens through their involvement in activities that seek to understand the potential for AV technology to improve safety and mobility on city streets and through construction zones.”
“The City is proud to host the first AV shuttle in Pennsylvania. Shared autonomous vehicles, such as this zero-emission shuttle that will connect the Navy Yard and NRG station, will demonstrate how this innovative technology can support safe and sustainable cities in the future by supporting existing transit systems and expanding their reach,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This shuttle will bring a new travel option to Philadelphians and support access to the jobs, parks, and opportunities within the Navy Yard.”
PIDC leads the development and site operations for the Navy Yard, including its Navy Yard Transit program, which currently operates two routes to NRG Station and Center City Philadelphia. As part of PIDC’s mission – to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth in every corner of Philadelphia – this AV project will support a growing community of 15,000 employees, 8 million square feet of mix-use facilities that includes office, industrial, R&D, life sciences, and institutional space, with plans to add additional office, laboratories and clean spaces, retail, restaurants and hotels, and residential buildings, parks, greenways, and amenities over the next 20 years.
PIDC reviewed a wide range of mobility options focused on proven reliability and safety, including conducting a public request for proposals (RFP) process. Perrone Robotics’ successful history of AV deployments across municipal, university, and community projects, made it a clear choice for the pilot project. Perrone’s portfolio of turn-key AV transit and transportation shuttles include small, medium, and large vehicles for use in geofenced and localized operations.
“We are thrilled to partner with DVRPC, PennDOT, Perrone Robotics, AECOM, and Drexel University to deploy Pennsylvania’s first AV shuttle at the Navy Yard,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “Not only will this shuttle provide the Navy Yard’s employees and visitors with additional safe and sustainable transit access around campus and connecting to the region via the subway connection, but it also showcases Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia as a leader in the latest technologies and innovation. We are excited to support this project at the Navy Yard.”
For the first phase of the project, Perrone will deploy the TONY-MEV (a medium electric transit vehicle), which will be fully ADA compliant, all electric, and fully FMVSS compliant. The vehicle will be integrated with Perrone’s TONY (To Navigate You) technology that converts the shuttle to fully automated capabilities for operations in the Navy Yard. The shuttle can seat nine passengers plus a wheelchair, aside from the operator. The wheelchair ramp feature will be accessible from a standard roadside curb.
“Automated technologies have tremendous potential to expand equitable transportation options and enhance safety,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “We are committed to safely developing this industry in Pennsylvania and look forward to partnering on this shuttle deployment.”
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About DVRPC
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Philadelphia region, established by an Interstate Compact between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Members include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, plus the City of Chester, in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties, plus the cities of Camden and Trenton, in New Jersey.
DVRPC’s vision for the Greater Philadelphia Region is a prosperous, innovative, equitable, resilient, and sustainable region that increases mobility choices by investing in a safe and modern transportation system; that protects and preserves our natural resources while creating healthy communities; and that fosters greater opportunities for all.
DVRPC’s mission is to achieve this vision by convening the widest array of partners to inform and facilitate data-driven decision-making. We are engaged across the region, and strive to be leaders and innovators, exploring new ideas and creating best practices. Learn more at www.dvrpc.org.
About PIDC
PIDC is Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation. Since acquiring the 1,200-acre site from the federal government in 2000, PIDC has led the development and site operations for the Navy Yard. PIDC’s mission—to spur investment, support business growth, and facilitate developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia—strongly informs its strategy for the Navy Yard, where the focus is on building a cohesive community that fosters employment, innovation, and production. PIDC manages all aspects of the Navy Yard, including planning, leasing, property management, infrastructure development, utility operation, and structuring development transactions. For more information about PIDC, visit www.PIDCphila.com and follow us @PIDCphila on Twitter. For more information about the Navy Yard, visit www.navyyard.org and follow us on Twitter @NavyYardPhila.
About PennDOT
PennDOT oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways. More than three-quarters of PennDOT’s annual budget is invested in Pennsylvania’s approximately 120,000 miles of state and local highways and 32,000 state and local bridges. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,400 bridges, a system first established in 1911.
Roughly 7,200 of PennDOT’s complement of nearly 11,375 employees are engaged in the maintenance, restoration, and expansion of the state highway system. They work in central headquarters in Harrisburg and 11 engineering districts, with facilities in all 67 counties.
PennDOT also administers the state’s 11.8 million vehicle registrations and 10.3 million driver’s licenses and IDs, and oversees safety and emission inspection programs.
About Perrone Robotics, Inc.
Perrone is a leading provider of fully automated vehicle systems. The company delivers mobility excellence via TONY® (short for “TO Navigate You”), a vehicle independent retrofit kit for use in the automated transit of people and goods in geo-fenced and localized operations. TONY embeds inside any vehicle type or model, for any job application to provide a complete “artificial driver” solution that brings full autonomy in a safety certifiable framework. Proven, piloted and in commercial production, Perrone automated systems help commercial, municipal, and governmental customers increase transportation efficiencies, enhance safety, and accelerate zero-emission electric vehicle deployment. The company also offers a portfolio of existing turnkey automated shuttles and vehicles pre-integrated with the TONY retrofit kit. Learn more @ www.perronerobotics.com or follow us @perronerobotics.
About Drexel University College of Engineering
Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel is a comprehensive urban university of more than 23,000 students, and a leader in experiential, technology-infused education, enriched by the nation’s premier cooperative- education program. Drexel is rethinking its institutional boundaries and creating a vibrant presence and ecosystem of innovation in and around University City while delivering on the University’s public purpose as an anchor institution for Philadelphia.
As the cornerstone of Drexel, the College of Engineering empowers students to engineer change in their lives and through their careers by emphasizing a balance of theory and practical experience. Faculty scholars and industry experts cultivate technically and theoretically trained adaptable engineers who are dedicated to the discovery and the application of technology, and who understand the global, social and ethical implications of creating sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Through industry and community partnerships, Drexel Engineering is committed to engaging students in capstone learning experiences and helping to drive the advancement of technology and automation in the region.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.3 billion in fiscal year 2021. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.
Media Contacts:
PIDC: Jacob Dillon, Director, Navy Yard Marketing and Communications
jdillon@PIDCphila.com / 215-218-2856 | Cell: 757-705-9281
DVRPC: Elise Turner, Manager, Office of Communications and Engagement
eturner@dvrpc.org / 215-435-0379 (cell)
PennDOT: Erin Waters-Trasatt, Communications Director
ewaterstra@pa.gov / 717-873-8800
Drexel: Britt Faulstick, Executive Director of Media Relations, Drexel University
britt.faulstick@drexel.edu / 215.895.2617
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Navy Yard Skills Initiative Program Named Workforce Champion
FROM A WISTAR INSTITUTE JOINT RELEASE
BioBuzz Workforce Champion Award goes to Wistar’s New Biomedical Technician Training Program for Adults
A collaborative program with West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, Iovance Biotherapeutics, and PIDC focuses on training adults for jobs in the specialized life science sector.
PHILADELPHIA — (DECEMBER 14, 2022) — The Wistar Institute Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program was awarded Workforce Champion of the Year in the 3rd Annual 2022 BioBuzz Awards. The program is a collaborative that includes The Wistar Institute, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, Iovance Biotherapeutics, PIDC, and others. The award, based on votes from individuals throughout the community, celebrates the outstanding life science institutes, companies, and people that make up the Philadelphia and BioHealth Capital Regions. The program, modeled on Wistar’s successful BTT Program for community college students, focuses on an underserved adult population – adults with a GED or high school diploma.
“This Program was conceived of—by Philadelphians—and for Philadelphians,” said Kristy Shuda McGuire, Ph.D., Wistar dean of biomedical studies. “What better way to support our growing workforce than with Philadelphia residents trained in sought after, specialized skills. The newest iteration of our BTT Program is focused on meeting demands of local biotechnology companies for a diverse and skilled workforce.”
The more than 400 applicants support the fact that there is a strong interest among Philly’s adult population to explore this career opportunity. From that applicant pool, 18 participants were chosen and are currently learning in Wistar’s Training Lab. West Philadelphia Skills Initiative led recruitment, selection, and professional development programming.
“The development of this unique program required thoughtful collaboration from key partners ranging from University City, to Philadelphia Works, to the Navy Yard, and more,” said Cait Garozzo, executive director of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. “We are tremendously pleased for the recognition from BioBuzz for what we feel is a truly innovative workforce program.”
Funding was provided by Philadelphia Works, grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry PAsmart program, GSK, and Justamere Foundation. BTT Program graduates who successfully complete the training qualify for technician positions at Iovance Biotherapeutics. The Program prepares participants for skilled positions that involve maintaining sterile labs, assembling sterile products, stocking supplies, and documenting processes of biomedical manufacturing – a rapidly growing area in Philadelphia.
“Iovance is excited to help introduce a wider, diverse range of Philadelphians to new technical skills and career options in biotech manufacturing,” said Jamie Crawford, vice president of Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC) Manufacturing at Iovance Biotherapeutics. “We hope this new program can serve as a model of inclusivity within the biotech workforce, to fill the growing demand for technicians in the region.”
“This award truly reflects how meaningful, strategic partnerships can support positive change and provide quality opportunities to individuals and communities that previously lacked access,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s senior vice president, Navy Yard. “It’s very exciting that the Navy Yard and PIDC are involved in this partnership and are part of workforce solutions for a rapidly growing industry.”
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The Wistar Institute, the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the United States, marshals the talents of an international team of outstanding scientists through a highly enabled culture of biomedical collaboration and innovation, to solve some of the world’s most challenging and important problems in the field of cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases, and produce groundbreaking advances in world health. Consistent with a pioneering legacy of leadership in not-for-profit biomedical research and a track record of life-saving contributions in immunology and cell biology, Wistar scientists pursue novel and courageous research paths to life science discovery, and to accelerate the impact of early-stage discoveries by shortening the path from bench to bedside. wistar.org
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) is one of the nation’s most successful workforce development organizations. For 10 years, WPSI has solidified its role as one of the highest performing workforce intermediaries in the country by building customized talent solutions that bridge the divide between unemployed Philadelphians seeking opportunity and employers seeking talent. WPSI focuses on professional development and career coaching for adults. www.philadelphiaskills.org
Iovance Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: IOVA) aims to be the global leader in innovating, developing and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for patients with cancer. We are pioneering a transformational approach to cure cancer by harnessing the human immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy diverse cancer cells in each patient. Located in Philadelphia, PA, our Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC) is the first centralized and scalable manufacturing facility dedicated to producing TIL therapies for patients with solid tumors. Our lead late-stage TIL product candidate, lifileucel for metastatic melanoma, has the potential to become the first approved one-time cell therapy for a solid tumor cancer. For more information, please visit www.iovance.com.
PIDC is Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation. Since acquiring the 1,200-acre site from the federal government in 2000, PIDC has been the master developer and site operator of the Navy Yard. PIDC’s mission—to spur investment, support business growth, and facilitate developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia—strongly informs its strategy for the Navy Yard, where the focus is on building a cohesive community that fosters employment, innovation, and production. PIDC manages all aspects of the property’s management and development, including master planning, leasing, property management, infrastructure development, utility operation, and structuring development transactions. www.PIDCphila.com www.navyyard.org
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Ceremony
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction at Philadelphia Navy Yard from Urban Video Productions® on Vimeo.
We were excited to finally be able to hold a ceremony to kick off the Broad Street infrastructure improvement project on September 14. Reconstruction of a critical 734-foot section of Broad Street (referred to as the Quay Wall) officially started at the end of July, but the ceremony was held later to welcome distinguished guests and partners to the event, including Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, along with representatives from PennDOT and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The reconstruction of the Quay Wall is imperative to ensure safety and to increase accessibility for the public and the 150 businesses and 15,000 employees at the Navy Yard. The Quay Wall overlooks the Navy Yard River Basin and sits on top of a more than 120-year-old timber-bridge structure that has largely been submerged in the Delaware River and subject to the elements.
734-foot section of Broad St (known as the Quay Wall)
The project is the result of a $19M+ joint-venture project between PennDOT, the U.S. EDA, City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.
From left to right: Sam Rhoads (PIDC Executive Vice President), Lou Belmonte (PennnDOT Regional Executive), Linda Cruz-Carnall (U.S. EDA Regional Director), Kate McNamara (PIDC Senior Vice President, Navy Yard), Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson
“Without these partnerships, none of this would be possible,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “This has been a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for several years.”
This project is also important for the future of the Navy Yard and Philadelphia.
In his remarks to the crowd, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, the will create safer transit for pedestrians and bicyclists which can also boost the economy for local businesses, and it was just one of the many innovative and exciting developments coming to the Navy Yard thanks to the Navy Yard Plan.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who represents Philadelphia’s Second District where the Navy Yard is located, stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure for the future and that the $19 million dollar project was a needed investment.
The theme of long-term vision into the future and partnerships prevailed with the other special guests from PennDOT and U.S. EDA.
“This project started with a vision and PennDOT is proud to be part of that vision,” said Lou Belmonte, PennDOT District Executive. “The Navy Yard a truly unique place and there is tremendous work happening here as it continues as a thriving center for businesses, innovation, investment, talent, and jobs.”
“The U.S. EDA is proud to make these investments in regional growth and prosperity,” said Linda Cruz-Carnall, U.S. EDA Regional Director. “We appreciate the spirit and history and continued resiliency at this site and of all of its stakeholders. Together we are united in pride and hope.”
The Quay Wall project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. When complete, it will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.
Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave
View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street
Broad Street Quay Wall now
Five Organizations Partner to Design New Biotech Training Program to Connect Philadelphians with Quality Jobs in the Region’s Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Sector
Media Contacts:
- Chris Richman, University City District, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, chris@universitycity.org, 215.243.0555 x229
- Darien Sutton, The Wistar Institute, dsutton@wistar.org, 215.898.3988, 215.870.2048 (cell)
- Jen Tran, PIDC, jtran@PIDCphila.com, 215.218.2854
- Jen Saunders, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., jen.saunders@iovance.com, 917.514.6512
- Sue Hamilton, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, shamilton@devinepartners.com, 215.568.2525, 609.440.6917 (cell)
The Wistar Institute, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, Iovance Biotherapeutics, PIDC, and The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Launch Recruitment for the Pilot Program on August 23
PHILADELPHIA (August 23, 2022) – Partners in Greater Philadelphia’s life sciences ecosystem are collaborating to create a new workforce development training model to connect biotech jobs with a wider range of Philadelphians, including residents from disadvantaged communities. In a field that often requires PhDs or master’s degrees for most roles, the program – “Biomedical Technician Training Program: Aseptic Manufacturing” – will create opportunities for Philadelphians with at least a high school equivalency. The initiative is one way the region is working together to meet the talent needs in its rapidly growing cell and gene therapy sector.
Recruitment begins August 23 for the 22-week paid program, which will include class- and lab-based training provided by The Wistar Institute and professional development from University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, culminating in a 10-week externship at Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing novel T cell-based cancer immunotherapies, whose cell therapy manufacturing center is located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Program participants will gain the skills needed to be considered for employment as associate aseptic manufacturing technicians – jobs starting at $23/hour – at the conclusion of the program in March 2023. Associate aseptic manufacturing technicians are responsible for maintaining a sterile lab environment, assembling sterile products, stocking supplies, and documenting processes of biomedical manufacturers in supporting the creation of cell therapies.
The foundations of this model are familiar to The Wistar Institute, which has been successfully operating its Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program for over 20 years. “This expansion of our proven program is perfectly aligned with one of the pillars of our strategic plan, BOLD Science // GLOBAL Impact (https://boldscience.wistar.org), to create a diverse, inclusive life science talent pipeline. Wistar’s collaborations with public and private partners create a new paradigm for workforce development to support the continued growth of the Philadelphia life sciences industry,” said Dr. Dario Altieri, president and CEO of The Wistar Institute.
For the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, which has extensive experience developing training programs with healthcare organizations, the entry into life sciences is an exciting evolution. “What we’re hoping to do is to become an exemplar of how you can do workforce equitability, inclusively, collaboratively, in a way that helps Philadelphians connect to high-quality jobs and supports the cell and gene therapy industry,” said Cait Garozzo, Managing Director at the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative.
“Iovance is proud to be a part of the vibrant, diverse Greater Philadelphia community and rapidly growing cell therapy hub. We are committed to promoting inclusivity, equity and diversity at Iovance and within the life sciences industry. We are excited to help introduce a wider range of Philadelphians to career options in biotech and hope this new program can serve as a model to our industry peers to increase inclusivity in the biotech workforce and its career development opportunities,” said Tracy Winton, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Much of the growth of the region’s cell and gene therapy hub is taking place at the Navy Yard, where Iovance Cell Therapy Center is located, and in University City, where The Wistar Institute is located, and where the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative has built its reputation as one of the leading workforce intermediaries in the country. Among other factors, the sector’s growth is reflected in the more than 50 cell and gene therapy companies that now call Greater Philadelphia home; the $3 billion in investment the region’s cell and gene therapy sector attracted in 2021; the 80 percent increase in employment at cell and gene therapy companies and contract manufacturing organizations in the past three years; and the more than 9 million square feet of existing space and 2.7 million square feet under construction to support the sector’s growth.
The launch of the program follows on the heels of a recent workforce talent study for the region’s cell and gene therapy sector, conducted by Econsult Solutions for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s CEO Council for Growth and the University City Science Center. Among the key findings was: Greater Philadelphia will maintain its position as a leading R&D hub and will increasingly become a commercialization and manufacturing center; and there will be job opportunities at all levels, including those not requiring a four-year degree, particularly as companies grow and begin building manufacturing capacity. The workforce talent study is part of the Chamber’s broader efforts to proactively address the talent needs of the cell and gene therapy community through research, strategic promotion, early-career talent-focused events, and convening employers. The Chamber has been convening talent professionals from cell and gene therapy companies for three years to develop an understanding of their needs, and Iovance has been an active participant in that group.
PIDC‘s Navy Yard Skills Initiative, a workforce development training program created to address the talent needs of the employers located at the Navy Yard, has been crucial in engaging its life sciences employers to create non-traditional pathways into cell and gene therapy careers, including Iovance. Currently, the Navy Yard has over 750,000 square feet of life sciences lab, production, and office space, with 270,000 square feet under construction and 4 million square feet planned.
“Iovance is one of five advanced life sciences companies at the Navy Yard, where strong demand for R&D and clinical/commercial manufacturing spaces demonstrates the strength of this sector and the unique opportunity to equitably connect Philadelphia residents with quality jobs,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “We are excited to partner with The Wistar Institute, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, Iovance, and the Chamber of Commerce to create this innovative training program for these jobs of the future.”
“Iovance will be the first employer to take advantage of this training model. In reexamining the minimum qualifications required for the associate aseptic manufacturing technician role, they’re demonstrating a commitment to skills-based hiring that we hope other employers will consider,” said Sarah Steltz, Vice President of Economic Competitiveness, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
Additional partners also contributed to the development of the novel training model program through their leadership and resources, including Philadelphia Works, and JP Morgan.
“We are so pleased to help support the launch of this innovative training model, which brings together two of our region’s strongest training organizations and other industry partners to positively impact our life sciences talent pipeline,” Steltz said. “ As excited as we are about the upcoming cohort, we definitely have our eyes on the horizon. For us to capitalize on the opportunities that we’re seeing in life sciences, we’re going to have to think differently as an ecosystem. We’re going to have to work differently. It will take collaboration not just among workforce organizations and employers, but government, philanthropy, and higher education too. The good news is that I think we’re all up for the challenge, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
Program Information
The 22-week paid training program begins with 10 weeks of evening classes at The Wistar Institute focused on preparing participants with a foundation in cellular and molecular biology as applicable to the life sciences industry. After the first 10 weeks, participants will take part in a full-time, hands-on laboratory orientation at The Wistar Institute before transitioning to externships at the Iovance iCTC (Cell Therapy Center) at the Navy Yard.
Throughout the 22-week program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative will support participants by offering professional development courses and coaching.
Select candidates who complete the program may interview for a full-time position at Iovance, with a starting pay of $23/hour. The partners already have plans to repeat the program.
Recruitment for the program, which the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative will launch on August 23 with online applications on its website (www.philadelphiaskills.org), continues through September 9. The program will officially welcome selected participants at The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street in West Philadelphia, on September 22, and continue through early March 2023.
To apply, candidates need to be Philadelphia residents 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or GED, and test at a 12th grade level in reading, literacy, and math. Eighteen participants will be selected for the pilot program.
For more information, contact: ssteltz@chamberphl.com.
About West Philadelphia Skills Initiative
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) is one of the nation’s most successful workforce development organizations. For 10 years, WPSI has solidified its role as one of the highest performing workforce intermediaries in the country by building customized talent solutions that bridge the divide between unemployed Philadelphians seeking opportunity and employers seeking talent. WPSI focuses on professional development and career coaching for adults.www.philadelphiaskills.org
About The Wistar Institute
The Wistar Institute is the nation’s first independent, non-profit biomedical research institute and a world leader in early stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology and infectious disease. Wistar recently announced the creation of the Hubert J. P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center to bring together its education programs for high school, undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows, with its expanding pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training, including the newly named Fox Biomedical Research Technician (BRT) Apprenticeship. www.wistar.org
About Iovance Biotherapeutics
Iovance Biotherapeutics aims to be the global leader in innovating, developing and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for patients with cancer. We are pioneering a transformational approach to cure cancer by harnessing the human immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy diverse cancer cells in each patient. Our lead late-stage TIL product candidate, lifileucel for metastatic melanoma, has the potential to become the first approved one-time cell therapy for a solid tumor cancer. The Iovance TIL platform has demonstrated promising clinical data across multiple solid tumors. We are committed to continuous innovation in cell therapy, including gene-edited cell therapy, that may extend and improve life for patients with cancer. For more information, please visit www.iovance.com.
About PIDC and the Philadelphia Navy Yard
PIDC is Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation. Since acquiring the 1,200-acre site from the federal government in 2000, PIDC has been the master developer and site operator of the Navy Yard. PIDC’s mission—to spur investment, support business growth, and facilitate developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia—strongly informs its strategy for the Navy Yard, where the focus is on building a cohesive community that fosters employment, innovation, and production. PIDC manages all aspects of the property’s management and development, including master planning, leasing, property management, infrastructure development, utility operation, and structuring development transactions. www.PIDCphila.comwww.navyyard.org
About The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s CEO Council for Growth:
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s CEO Council for Growth (CEO Council) leads our region forward by envisioning a stronger, more competitive community, convening decision makers, taking action, and advocating for policies and practices that strengthen our regional economy. The CEO Council advocates through its members and engaged stakeholders to enhance economic growth and prosperity in the region. We prioritize the revitalization and enhancement of our region’s talent, mobility, and innovation. The CEO Council’s Cell & Gene Therapy Initiative is leveraging Greater Philadelphia’s specialized assets to accelerate growth and promote the region as the global hub of research, talent, capital, and companies in cell & gene therapy, gene editing, and connected health. For more information, visitwww. ceocouncilforgrowth.com
House Majority Leader Hoyer and Congresswoman Scanlon Tour the Navy Yard
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today welcomed Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Majority Leader for the U.S. House of Representatives, to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Alongside officials from the City of Philadelphia and PIDC, Hoyer and Scanlon toured the Navy Yard, met with representatives from two key employers — Philly Shipyard, Inc. and Iovance Biotherapeutics, and discussed ongoing federal investments at the Navy Yard.
Mayor Jim Kenney; Steinar Nerbovik of Philly Shipyard, Inc., Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon at Philly Shipyard. Photo credit: Albert Lee for the City of Philadelphia
“The Philadelphia Navy Yard is emerging as a center of economic activity for our region,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I was honored to host Majority Leader Hoyer today to show him how this area is leading Philadelphia’s transition from its industrial roots to the economy of the future. Once a federal shipyard run by the Navy, the area sat dormant after closing in the 1990s, but now boasts employers spanning industries from shipbuilding and manufacturing to life sciences and more. As the U.S. Representative for the Navy Yard, I’m proud to champion federal investments to support the work of PIDC and its partners to transform this space and bring more jobs to our region.”
Visit to Iovance Biotherapeutics. Photo credit: Albert Lee for the City of Philadelphia
“I was proud to join Rep. Scanlon at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard today to see the extraordinary work being done to create a regional hub for innovation and economic growth,” said Majority Leader Hoyer. “Securing the return of Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations process was a big win for members and for every congressional district, where important local projects are again able to receive the support they deserve in a way that is fully transparent and accountable. The funding Rep. Scanlon brought home to the Navy Yard is a wonderful example of that, and it is an example of House Democrats’ efforts to help more businesses and workers Make It In America as well. I want to thank her for her leadership and her hard work to help Pennsylvanians and all Americans access economic opportunities and get ahead.”
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon; Steinar Nerbovik of Philly Shipyard, Inc., Anne Bovaird Nevins of PIDC; at Philly Shipyard’s Training Center. Photo credit: Albert Lee for the City of Philadelphia
In March, Scanlon secured $525,000 for PIDC’s Navy Yard Skills Initiative in the Fiscal Year 2022 federal government funding package. It is one of 10 Community Project Funding awards Scanlon delivered for her district. By creating unique, customized training programs, Navy Yard Skills Initiative builds on the model developed by the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative to connect unemployed and underemployed Philadelphia residents to permanent employment with Navy Yard employers. Thanks to the Community Project Funding secured by Scanlon, the Navy Yard Skills Initiative will be able to run for another full year. Since the program’s initial recruitment in February 2021, Navy Yard Skills Initiative has graduated four cohorts of trainees — totaling 53 people — with 98% of graduates receiving full-time job offers with employers including Philly Shipyard, Inc. and Tasty Baking Company after completing their training.
Looking inside Dry Dock 4 at Philly Shipyard, Inc. Photo credit: Albert Lee for the City of Philadelphia
Scanlon has also led the charge in Congress to help Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) secure federal shipbuilding contracts after the Shipyard fell dormant in 2018 and suffered massive layoffs. In April 2020, the shipyard was awarded an initial contract valued at $630 million to build the first two ships in a five-ship series of U.S. DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD) National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs). Since then, Scanlon has continued to advocate for additional contracts to be awarded to PSI, which has now been contracted to complete all five ships in the NSMV fleet. The total value for these five training vessels is approximately $1.5 billion. When Scanlon was first elected in 2018, Philly Shipyard only had around 80 employees. The contract for the NSMV program has allowed PSI to reconstitute its workforce, which currently stands around 1,200 and is expected to reach full capacity in mid-2022.
Photos are available here for media use.
Contact: Lauren Cox, 202-880-2680, Lauren.Cox@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman Scanlon Delivers $525,000 for Innovative Workforce Program at the Navy Yard
On Friday, April 15, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) joined officials from PIDC, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, and Philly Shipyard, Inc. to celebrate the latest graduates of the Navy Yard Skills Initiative and announce over half a million dollars in new federal funding to support the workforce program. Scanlon secured $525,000 for PIDC’s Navy Yard Skills Initiative in the Fiscal Year 2022 federal government funding package passed by Congress in March. It is one of 10 Community Project Funding awards in Scanlon’s district.
Thanks to the Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Scanlon, the Navy Yard Skills Initiative will be able to run for another full year. Since the program’s initial recruitment in February 2021, the program has graduated four cohorts of trainees — totaling 53 people — with 98% of graduates receiving full-time job offers after completing their training.
“The Navy Yard is home to the most exciting emerging center of economic activity in Philadelphia, with employers spanning industries from shipbuilding, to baking, to life sciences — and everything in between,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Like many businesses across the country, these employers are in need of skilled workers, and the Navy Yard Skills Initiative is helping to make those connections. The ‘earn while you learn’ model used by this program invests in unemployed and underemployed Philadelphians so that they can embark on long-term career paths rather than signing up for quick, minimum-wage work. I am thrilled to have secured funding to support another year of this incredible program, and to know that the Navy Yard Skills Initiative will continue to connect residents and employers with good jobs in PA-05 for years to come.”
“We are extremely grateful for Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon’s support in our Navy Yard Skills Initiative place-based workforce development program,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “This investment will go a long way, allowing Philadelphia residents to secure life-changing careers while providing Navy Yard businesses with the highly-skilled talent they need. We look forward to applying this investment to many more training programs over the next year.”
All 16 trainees who graduated on Friday have been offered full-time, union apprentice positions with Philly Shipyard, Inc. These positions start at $17.13 per hour, and include incremental pay increases over the three-year apprenticeship and 22 college credits in technical studies at Delaware County Community College.
“We have now completed two successful workforce training initiatives through the joint partnership with PIDC and WPSI,” said Mike Giantomaso, Vice President of Human Resources at Philly Shipyard. “These programs have been a great boost to our overall hiring efforts as we have had a lot of room to expand with the major contract award in April 2020 to build the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) for U.S. DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD). I’m definitely looking forward to future workforce partnerships and want to thank everyone involved including our own district’s U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon.”
Navy Yard Skills Initiative launched in 2020 in partnership with University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, connecting its first cohort of trainees to full-time, quality-wage careers with Four Seasons Total Landscaping through the Grounds Maintenance Laborer Program in March 2021. The second and fourth cohorts, which graduated in August 2021 and April 2022 respectively, were both paired with Philly Shipyard, Inc. for the Shipyard Laborer Program and Shipyard Apprentice Program. The third program partnered with Tasty Baking Company, maker of iconic Tastykakes, for the Production Associate Program in January 2022.
By creating unique, customized three-week training programs, Navy Yard Skills Initiative builds on the model developed by the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative to connect unemployed and underemployed Philadelphia residents to permanent employment with Navy Yard employers. West Philadelphia Skills Initiative’s existing program is a nationally-recognized model, where 95% of participants are connected to employment upon successful completion of the program.
“We are very excited by the ongoing success of the partnership with PIDC and the Navy Yard,” said Cait Garozzo, Managing Director of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. “Working with the Navy Yard has allowed us to connect with and serve employers and jobseekers outside our typical coverage area in West Philadelphia, and we’re incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Scanlon’s support of the program to build on the first year of impact.”
Navy Yard Skills Initiative is open to current Philadelphia residents with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential. Participants receive a $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program and a guaranteed interview with the partner employer upon graduation. Applications for the next cohort will open on May 3 and again partner with Tasty Baking Company for the Production Associate Program launching in June.
The Fiscal Year 2022 spending bill provides $1.5 trillion in discretionary resources, including nearly $8.5 million in Community Project Funding secured by Scanlon for organizations in PA-05. Additional information on the Community Project Funding awards in Scanlon’s district is available here.
The Community Project Funding application process for Fiscal Year 2023 is now open. Requests from organizations in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District are due to Scanlon’s office by April 22. Learn more.
Photos from the Navy Yard Skills Initiative graduation ceremony held on Friday, April 15 are available for media use here. Please credit Ben Bowens Photography.
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Ensemble/Mosaic and Oxford Properties Group Break Ground on Speculative R & D Lab Building
Ensemble/Mosaic, a joint venture between Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners, and Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder, have broken ground on 1201 Normandy Place, a speculative 137,000 square foot R & D lab building at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. The project represents the first new development initiated as part of Ensemble/Mosaic and Oxford’s recently executed strategic partnership.
“1201 Normandy represents a significant milestone for the Navy Yard, our new partnership with Mosaic and Oxford, and Philadelphia’s life sciences community,” said Mark Seltzer, Senior Vice President, Development-East at Ensemble. “The building will play a critical role in the life science ecosystem of the campus by creating space for smaller gene and cell therapy users and providing a place to grow as their business evolves towards commercialization and manufacturing. This is the right product, at the right time in the right location, and we are already experiencing strong interest.”
1201 Normandy Place
“The Navy Yard is a critical asset to Philadelphia’s life science community,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, whose Second Council District includes the Navy Yard. “The development of this new 137,000 square foot laboratory and office building here at 1201 Normandy Place is the first development by Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners. The lab building is tailored specifically to gene and cell therapy companies and will further drive economic growth at the Navy Yard, which is a major economic engine of our city.”
1201 Normandy Place is the first speculative multi-tenant R & D lab building at the Navy Yard. The building was designed in consultation with CRB, a leading lab designer, to be the most sophisticated lab building in the region optimized for cell and gene therapy R & D companies, while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate all users. The modern four-story facility will feature 137,000 square feet of highly customizable lab space and will be able to support life science customers ranging from 5,000-35,000 square feet per floor. Special user-specific considerations include 15’-16’ floor-to-floor ceiling heights, predetermined GMP space, structural integrity that minimizes vibration and two loading docks. The robust utility and safety features include a central plant HVAC system with water cooled chillers, customizable electrical output and layout as well as built-in emergency power. Occupants will also have access to collaborative workspace, an outdoor balcony on each floor and a ground level cafe. The building is projected to achieve LEED Gold Certification. CBRE is leading the marketing efforts for 1201 Normandy Place.
“Today’s groundbreaking builds on our partnership’s considerable momentum, as we take a major step towards delivering a world-class life science innovation hub at the heart of the Navy Yard,” said Chad Remis, Executive Vice President, North America at Oxford. “The speed at which we’ve advanced this project is testament to the relationship between Oxford and Ensemble/Mosaic—in both our vision for the project, as well as our shared conviction in Philadelphia and its continued emergence as one of the premier global biopharma markets.”
1201 Normandy will allow smaller-scale gene and cell therapy companies to take space in the Navy Yard’s thriving life science community. Currently, it is home to many world-class and well-established gene and cell therapy firms including Iovance Biotherapeutics, Adaptimmune Therapeutics PLC, WuXi Advanced Therapies Coriell Life Sciences, Vinta Bio, Inc., and is the regional headquarters of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
“The depth of our collective development experience, this unparalleled location and our ability to move quickly are tremendous advantages for us,” said Greg Reaves, CEO and Co-Owner, Mosaic. “We designed 1201 Normandy to be at the leading edge of R & D lab space, offering customers superior utility packages and safety features. This building will truly be transformational to the life science community and the Navy Yard as a whole.”
Groundbreaking ceremony with Ensemble/Mosaic, Oxford, PIDC, and Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson
Ensemble/Mosaic and Oxford
Recently, Ensemble/Mosaic and Oxford Properties Group entered into a strategic partnership which will, over time, own and develop up to 3 million square feet of life science properties at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. The agreement includes Oxford’s investment in five existing life science assets owned by Ensemble Real Estate Investments, and Ensemble/Mosaic’s two initial life science properties, of which 1201 Normandy is the first. In addition, Oxford will look to partner in all future life science projects on sites controlled by Ensemble/Mosaic at the Navy Yard. The deal represented Oxford’s first investment in Philadelphia and further expands the firm’s extensive life science portfolio, which includes over US$2 billion of investment activity in North America since the start of 2021.
PIDC Senior Vice President Kate McNamara considers the Ensemble/Mosaic and Oxford partnership a boon that will help continue to grow the ecosystem of the Navy Yard.
“Developing a speculative life science building that can house multiple users illustrates the strength of the market in Philadelphia and the strong interest by companies to take advantage of all the Navy Yard has to offer,” said McNamara. “This is a big milestone for the Navy Yard, Ensemble/Mosaic, Oxford, and PIDC that will create a landscape for lifesaving work and job opportunities for all Philadelphians. We’re at an important intersection of what the city needs and what will benefit the world, and it’s an exciting moment.”
Ensemble/Mosaic at the Navy Yard
In 2020, Ensemble/Mosaic announced plans for its US$2.6 billion development plan, designed to further establish the Navy Yard as a vibrant and inclusive mixed-use community. Through its agreement with PIDC—Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, which oversees all management and development of the Navy Yard, the joint venture plans for approximately 3,000 residential units and more than 3 million square feet of life science manufacturing, R & D, office, hotels, makerspace and retail space when complete. In addition to 1201 Normandy and 333 Rouse, the $400+ million first phase includes the development a three-building residential complex with ground floor retail (including an AVE in partnership with Korman Communities) and a signature adaptive reuse hotel.
Pennsylvania’s First Automated Shuttle Coming to the Philadelphia Navy Yard
Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer. The zero-emissions shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Philadelphia Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.
The project took a step forward this week when PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, awarded Perrone Robotics, Inc. a two-phased AV shuttle and services contract. The pilot AV shuttle is funded by the Travel Options Program, a grant program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The Travel Options Program is an ongoing regional initiative that awards funds for innovative projects to provide better access to more travel options, while meeting the goals of climate action and air quality improvement, equity, reliability, freedom of choice, and affordability.
Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer! The zero-emissions shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station.
“The idea behind the Travel Options Program is to fund innovative projects that expand accessibility to and encourage the use of alternatives to driving alone, and we are pleased to fund the first AV shuttle in Greater Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “This project is the culmination of ongoing public-private partnerships, and many years of planning related to new technologies and is just the start of adding more electric and AV vehicles to the menu of travel options in our region.”
This project will enhance Navy Yard access and also help to reduce congestion and carbon emissions for the region. The Navy Yard AV shuttle deployment will include a backup operator on board during the pilot. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will oversee regulatory approvals and is partnering with researchers at Drexel University to analyze shuttle performance and rider feedback to inform future deployments. The infrastructure consulting firm AECOM assisted the grant proposal, and through its existing contracts with PennDOT will be providing overall program management, technical planning, testing, and deployment expertise.
“We are honored and excited to be part of this forward-thinking program with PIDC, DVRPC, PennDOT, AECOM, and Drexel University, to bring the world’s first automated Buy America, FMVSS, and ADA-compliant transit van to the city of Philadelphia,” said Paul Perrone, CEO and founder of Perrone Robotics. “This program will be a national example of the power of private-public partnerships to connect communities through safety-enhanced mobility solutions. We look forward to providing our TONY AV driver for the streets of Philadelphia and beyond to meet the growing demand across the United States and worldwide.”
“The deployment of the AV shuttle in Philadelphia has been a vision AECOM has been partnering with the City on since 2018. We understand the important need to provide supplemental transit services to all Philadelphians and those visiting the Navy Yard and Sport Complex areas,” said Dan Corey, Vice President, Director of Strategic Solutions Global Transportation, AECOM. “We’re thrilled to support this important project with innovative, sustainable, and collaborative solutions that are accessible to all while leaving a positive impact on the environment and prioritizing safety.”
The terms of the award include the delivery of the state’s and region’s first Level 3 (as defined by SAE J3016) automated, zero-emissions, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliant, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, Buy America compliant, and street-worthy shuttle to transport visitors and employees around the Navy Yard campus. The AV shuttle in Phase 1 will augment existing transportation services between key locations within the Navy Yard, and then in Phase 2 will connect the Navy Yard to SEPTA’s NRG Station on the Broad Street subway line and adjacent to the Sports Complex and FDR Park.
PIDC leads the development and site operations for the Navy Yard, including its Navy Yard Transit program, which currently operates two routes to NRG Station and Center City Philadelphia. As part of PIDC’s mission – to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth in every corner of Philadelphia – this AV project will support a growing community of 15,000 employees, 8 million square feet of mix-use facilities that includes office, industrial, R&D, life sciences, and institutional space, with plans to add additional office, laboratories and clean spaces, retail, restaurants and hotels, and residential buildings, parks, greenways and amenities over the next 20 years.
PIDC reviewed a wide range of mobility options focused on proven reliability and safety, including conducting a public request for proposals (RFP) process. Perrone Robotics’ successful history of AV deployments across municipal, university, and community projects, made it a clear choice for the pilot project. Perrone’s portfolio of turn-key AV transit and transportation shuttles include small, medium, and large vehicles for use in geofenced and localized operations.
“We are thrilled to partner with DVRPC, PennDOT, Perrone Robotics, AECOM, and Drexel University to deploy Pennsylvania’s first AV shuttle at the Navy Yard,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “Not only will this shuttle provide the Navy Yard’s employees and visitors with additional safe and sustainable transit access around campus and connecting to the region via the subway connection, but it also showcases Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia as a leader in the latest technologies and innovation. We are excited to support this project at the Navy Yard and look forward to launching this summer.”
For the first phase of the project, Perrone will deploy the TONY-MEV (a medium electric transit vehicle), built on the proven Ford 350HD chassis, fully ADA compliant, and equipped with a state-of-the-art battery-electric powertrain manufactured and installed by Lightning eMotors. The vehicle will be integrated with Perrone’s TONY (To Navigate You) technology that converts the shuttle to fully automated capabilities for operations in the Navy Yard. The shuttle can seat nine passengers plus a wheelchair, aside from the operator. The wheelchair ramp feature will be accessible from a standard roadside curb.
The AV shuttle is expected to commence in summer 2022.
“Automated technologies have tremendous potential to expand equitable transportation options and enhance safety,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “We are committed to safely developing this industry in Pennsylvania and look forward to partnering on this shuttle deployment.”
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Media Contacts:
DVRPC: Elise Turner, Manager, Office of Communications and Engagement
eturner@dvrpc.org / 215-435-0379 (cell)
PIDC: Jennifer Tran, Director, Navy Yard Marketing and Communications
jtran@PIDCphila.com / 215-218-2854
PennDOT: Erin Waters-Trasatt, Communications Director
ewaterstra@pa.gov / 717-873-8800
WuXi ATU Opens New Facility in Philadelphia, Tripling Testing Capacity to Support Global Customers
WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU), a wholly owned subsidiary of WuXi AppTec, announced the official opening of its advanced therapies testing facility at 400 Rouse Boulevard in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard. The new facility, which includes 140,000 square feet laboratories, will further enhance the company’s Contract Testing, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CTDMO) business model by tripling the company’s previous testing capacity, meeting the increasing needs of customers in cell and gene therapy industry.
The new state-of the-art facility is an expansion of WuXi ATU’s existing Navy Yard Campus, which opened in 2020. This addition will strengthen the existing analytical development and testing capacity and capability.
“WuXi ATU has significant expertise in assay development, biologics safety testing, viral clearance and commercial lot release assays, and we are proud to bring that knowledge to our customers,” said Dr. David Chang, Chief Executive Officer of WuXi ATU. “We are committed to enabling these partners to bring ground-breaking therapeutics to patients as quickly, reliably and consistently as possible.”
“WuXi ATU has always been at the forefront of innovation in Philadelphia,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “We are thrilled to celebrate their continued expansion and growth with the opening of the new advanced therapies testing facility at the Navy Yard.”
As a CTDMO with operations globally, WuXi ATU’s unique business model integrates powerful testing capabilities with its advanced therapies’ process development and manufacturing platforms, such as TESSA technology for AAV manufacturing and XLenti stable solutions for lentiviral manufacturing. This allows all assay development, biosafety, viral clearance and product release testing to be completed in-house, shortening customers’ timelines for the approval of advanced therapies. WuXi ATU has supported more than 1,700 customer submissions for biosafety testing through industry-leading testing and analytical assay development experience, enabling the delivery of more effective and accessible advanced therapies to patients.
About WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU)
As the advanced therapies business unit of WuXi AppTec, WuXi Advanced Therapies is a Contract Testing, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CTDMO) that offers integrated platforms to transform the discovery, development, testing, manufacturing, and commercialization of cell and gene therapies. Our services and solutions accelerate time to market and support customer programs around the world. For more information, please visit www.advancedtherapies.com.
About WuXi AppTec
As a global company with operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, WuXi AppTec provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services that enable global pharmaceutical and healthcare industry to advance discoveries and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients. Through its unique business models, WuXi AppTec’s integrated, end-to-end services include chemistry drug CRDMO (Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization), biology discovery, preclinical testing and clinical research services, cell and gene therapies CTDMO (Contract Testing, Development and Manufacturing Organization), helping customers improve the productivity of advancing healthcare products through cost-effective and efficient solutions. WuXi AppTec received AA ESG rating from MSCI in 2021 and its open-access platform is enabling more than 5,600 collaborators from over 30 countries to improve the health of those in need – and to realize the vision that “every drug can be made and every disease can be treated.” Please visit: http://www.wuxiapptec.com
Media Contact:
Davy Wu
mediainquiries@wuxiapptec.com
Customer Contact:
Min Park
+1 (215) 218-5500
atu.info@wuxiapptec.com