Despite the poor economy Harry Zarek, founder and CEO of Compugen is going ahead with the building of a brand new facility in the town of Richmond Hill, Ont., just north of Toronto.
The 120,000 sq. ft. headquarters will be ready to go by the summer of 2010. At the ground breaking ceremony, Zarek told CDN that this building is an important next chapter in the evolution of Compugen, which starting operating back in 1981. “This ground breaking shows out commitment to Canada, the town of Richmond Hill, the IT market place and I am really optimistic our growth as a result of this building,” he said.
The $20 million facility will feature state-of-the-art office space for 850 people plus a third floor for future expansion. Zarek added that the facility will be able to accommodate the mobile worker since the company is a nationwide solution provider that touches all provinces and territories. The building will also have a warehouse, national call centre and technology lab. The building will be designed and built by Urbacon Ltd. and will be part of the new Barker business park in the town.
“We were born in 1981 and that is a significant year in the IT industry. It is the same year of the IBM PC. It amazes me how that machine’s potential has revolutionized our lives. Compugen has been blessed with that time and we opened a business with a simple plan to improve customer productivity with technology. I have encouraged my staff to strive for excellence balanced by humility, hard work and respect for the individual,” Zarek said.
“Where this next chapter takes us I do not know, but I do it with hope.”
