Tech startup promises 250 jobs

A startup company that plans to make a thermal detection device for possible breast cancer has signed a lease for space at the Hudson Valley Research Park and expects to create 250 jobs over three years, Dutchess County officials announced Sept. 16.

Life Medical Technologies will take over empty space at the campus, better known as the semiconductor facilities of IBM Corp., in Building 320.?Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus and John MacEnroe, president and CEO of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corp., said they expect the company to ramp up quickly, with production starting by early 2011.?It will produce and market BreastCare DTS, a device that can record differential temperatures sensed by pads placed over the breasts. The announcement said the device will be produced under patent and that it has been “FDA-cleared as an adjunct to mammography and other procedures for the detection of breast disease, including breast cancer.”

Carol Fitzgerald, CEO of Life Medical, said in the statement that locating in Dutchess County “fit exactly into our company criteria and values. The state- and local-assisted program, along with the infrastructure in the IBM facility, provide excellent cost-effectiveness. The quality of life in the area, including the talented people, location and collaborative spirit is exactly what we need to produce this important new tool to fight breast cancer throughout the world.”?Company officials were not available for follow-up comment. The company is a startup, with no presence on the web beyond an investor-oriented website with password protected access. The company has the same name as an earlier company that has gone out of business.

Dutchess officials were pleased to bring the new company to the vacant space at the IBM facility. IBM has about 1.15 million square feet of vacant space on the campus for lease. MacEnroe said about 15,000 square feet was taken by Life Medical.

“I think it”™s going to be a great company,” MacEnroe said.?Financial aid from Empire State Development Corp. and an incentive from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. were part of the attraction package. Details of the aid were not given.

Lisa Willner, a spokeswoman for the state agency, said details will be announced by agency Chairman and CEO Dennis Mullen when he visits in a few weeks.?“While they take important steps toward improving breast cancer screening, they will also create jobs and encourage business growth throughout the Hudson Valley,” Mullen said in the statement announcing the deal.