Former Aldi Supermarket Potential Site for New Plasma Collection Facility
ImmunoTek Bio Centers have their sights set on Queensbury for a possible expansion.
The Texas-based health care company has been seeking to expand across the country, with new plasma donation facilities currently under construction in over a dozen states. These facilities are operated under two different brand names: ImmunoTek Plasma and Freedom Plasma.
Their expansion into New York has already begun, with plans for two new Freedom Plasma sites in Syracuse and Johnson City–a village in the Binghamton metropolitan area.
ImmunoTek is also seeking approval for a facility in Queensbury. They have filed documents with the town to take over the former Aldi market location at 176 Quaker Road.
This 2.3 acre property is home to a 15,500 square foot building which has been vacant for nearly three years. In October 2019, Aldi relocated to a building more than twice the size: the former Toys R Us location on Upper Glen Street. ImmunoTek hopes to renovate this property into a new plasma donation facility.
Plasma is a pale yellow liquid component of blood containing valuable proteins that help the body stop bleeding, and aid the immune system in fighting off infection. ImmunoTek uses this plasma to develop new vaccines and treatments for individuals suffering from blood disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, and other various illnesses.
Plasma cannot be synthetically produced, which is why ImmunoTek relies on willing donations from regular citizens, even providing compensation for the time spent in their collection facilities. Since its foundation in 2012, the company has collected over six million plasma donations.
ImmunoTek estimates an investment of $2.2 million will be put toward renovations of the property. They plan to utilize the space to accommodate three dozen beds for plasma donors. The company also estimates an availability for 30 job positions will be created by the facility.
A representative of the Queensbury Planning Department confirmed that further action would be discussed at the September 20 planning board meeting.