Recently, Pfizer Inc. officials announced it would like to donate one of its closed facilities to MSU for research use.
This facility has been in the process of closing since March 2005, and a few employees are still there decommissioning it. The $50 million building, located in Holland, is equipped with offices, a pilot plant, laboratories to be used by up to 100 scientists and other facilities.
"MSU intends to host researchers from nearby institutions, such as Hope College, and from private sector start up companies at the site," MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said to the Detroit Free Press.
The new plant would be put to use similarly to MBI International, a Lansing-based manufacturing facility that is also associated with MSU. MBI is part of what is identified as a SmartZone. The SmartZone is basic cooperation between MSU, MBI, Lansing Community College and other local businesses to bring new businesses into the Lansing region and keep them here. Research done at MBI is bioeconomic, just as it is planned to be at the Pfizer plant.
There are so many positives with the donation, it is surprising that MSU did not jump at the offer. They will have, at their disposal, a building that will potentially allow for the experimentation and development of "green" energy. This has possibilities for the expansion and growth of Michigan's suffering economy.
Unfortunately, money plays a large factor in whether the building becomes a part of the MSU community.
Before accepting the donation, Lakeshore Advantage and MSU must develop a plan to finance the plant. They are in the process of weighing the possibilities of federal and state grants and private donations.
Without proper funding, the facility will go to waste. Even if MSU secures a research contract from a private sector firm, they need to be sure the firm has a similar interest at heart.
Although this building brings a lot of opportunities, it is in no way worth a tuition raise, which might occur. The money does need to come from some place, and even though this plant would positively affect MSU, it would not be appropriate for students to have to shoulder the burden of affording this donation.
Money is a driving factor in this deal.
Alternative forms of energy have such potential, not just for the state of Michigan, but for the entire global community. Having this laboratory at our disposal will help us to be at the forefront of research concerning biodiesel and other uses for renewable resources.
With the proper support from the state and federal governments, and by choosing the appropriate companies to commission the work, this acquisition boasts of nothing but potential.
If it can be guaranteed the plant will be used in the same way as the MBI research facility, then the gain of this donation is another step in the right direction.
