Gov. Paul LePage today was in Westbrook to cut the ribbon on IDEXX Laboratories new $35-million "Synergy Center."
IDEXX Chief Executive Jonathan Ayers told dignitaries and employees gathered for the occasion that the company tried to create a very different working environment. "We wanted a space that was inspirational and energizing. And we wanted to encourage communication and collaboration," he said.
To that end, IDEXX employees, armed with tablets or laptops, can find open cubicles, conference rooms, even lounge-style chairs in corridors and outside areas that are equipped with power outlets and have access to the internet.
The new building also has a fitness center and health clinic for employees, and an international food court.
Ayers said the Synergy Center exceeded the goal of achieving "silver" LEED status for being environmentally friendly, earning it a "gold" certificate, presented today by an official of the U.S. Green Building Council.