The BMC
Growing companies and building careers
The Biotech Manufacturing Center of Texas (BMC), located in Athens, was initiated
to create jobs and job-training opportunities. It has been developed with the needs of early stage manufacturing start-up
companies in mind. We understand that most start-up companies like yours don’t have the infrastructure or capital in
place to move straight from concept to production. You need assistance. You need guidance. In short, you need the resources
of the BMC.
We are the only biotechnology business incubator in the nation
with a broad range of full-scale medical device manufacturing under one roof. We also offer technical guidance, business development
advice, as well as biomedical engineers on staff to assist with technical issues.
As a non-profit business incubator, we assume no equity in your
company. In fact, because of the vision of the Athens Economic Development Corporation, taxpayer dollars are utilized to help
us create jobs in one of the most charming communities anywhere. Plus, it’s a community with a large population experienced
in medical device assembly… There are currently nine medical device companies in town.
The BMC is organized to handle the manufacturing needs of your
start-up. Millions of dollars have been invested in this unique facility to create the perfect atmosphere for research, development,
production, and assembly. Best of all, the entire facility meets FDA requirements, so you don’t have to worry about
establishing approval for the initial phases of your company’s existence. We are organized to house 14 companies with
up to 330 employees. Yet the key for growing companies remains the fact that we have the infrastructure to maximize your capital.
We have everything under one roof, except a sterilization plant…
But then, you only have to travel just across the street to reach the closer of the two sterilization plants located in Athens.
In order to minimize your capital burn rate, (both your time to
market and then to profits), we have considered the broad range of needs you will have beyond manufacturing. Our business
professionals will mentor you in every area, such as, OSHA, regulatory issues, intellectual property concerns, and FDA approval
process. Our facility also offers phone-conferencing to help accelerate communication and minimize travel.
Athens Economic Development Corporation
The vision behind the BMC
AEDC has been instrumental in creating this center to help bring
more opportunities to you and to Athens. It is also a comprehensive, economic
development engine. AEDC has applied some innovative thinking to help launch this first-of-its-kind incubator. They are dedicated
to ensuring that the needs of each tenant company are met. Once you become part of the community of Athens,
you will be able to witness that dedication first-hand. The AEDC/BMC, are able to apply a high level of creativity to assist
and accelerate the growth of each individual business.
Athens,
Texas
A desirable location for a medical business to take root
This community offers distinct benefits due to the presence of
the unique BMC. Yet it also offers a lifestyle you will not find anywhere else. The serene setting of East Texas
allows for relaxation, creativity, and peace of mind, which makes us even more distinctive in the high-pressure, very competitive
world of biotechnology. Whether you enjoy golf, fishing, historic festivals, antique hunting, or trips into major metropolitan
areas, you will quickly discover that Athens is much more than you ever imagined.
Its greatest attraction is that it will allow you to truly enjoy a work-life balance while developing the company of your
dreams.
The BMC works as part of an alliance between education, business,
and government sectors... Trinity Valley Community
College, The Texas Workforce Commission for personnel training, and SBA’s Small Business
Development Centers united to present an effective and integrated approach to your company’s workforce development.
For more information, contact Sam Austin,
our BMC Executive Director...
Tel: 903-677-0835, Ext: 103
