CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

June 6, 2002

Dear Gentles All:

Avigen is a biotech company with 150 employees in two buildings. We develop gene therapy products, which we manufacture at our site in Alameda, CA. Since we began as a start-up company in 1992, we have used Simon Guendelman and Sim/Tech Construction and Management Corp. as the general contractor for more than five build-out projects. Two of these projects were GMP production facilities involving everything from loading docks to sterile fill and finishing rooms, covering a total of over 30,000 square feet. Altogether Sim/Tech has constructed over 80,000 square feet of Avigen space into offices, laboratories, and controlled pharmaceutical production areas. The Avigen facility planning and construction team is made up of scientists, chemical engineers, quality, and facility personnel. Although we have experienced biotech industry personnel, we have no particular expertise in construction of controlled areas.

Sim/Tech has provided us with a tremendous advantage in completing all of our building projects on time and within budget. Here's how:

First of all, Sim/Tech has a vast knowledge of contacts with architects, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical contractors, structural engineers, mechanical and process engineers, and other building construction specialists in California. Sim/Tech guides us in selecting a team that understands our company goals and constraints and fits within our philosophy of build-out. In all but one isolated instance, the Sim/Tech-recommended contractors we selected have worked well with our team.

Secondly, Sim/Tech has championed the writing and approval of Basis of Design (BOD) documents that we take to regulatory agencies and to management to get buy-in. Sim/Tech provided guidance through the design process, and they managed the construction process effectively. They anticipate construction problems, warn us of the problems, and help us devise remedies. All the while, Sim/Tech has been very responsive to our needs. They strive for and achieve the highest quality work. Most importantly, they understand what is meant by a "turn-over date". They make it happen.

Thirdly, Sim/Tech watches out for our money. They have stayed within accepted budget in all construction projects. They have been very effective in use of a limited amount of overtime work to stay on schedule. Sim/Tech is excellent at explaining the cost and scheduling impact of the various options we have in designing our building projects.

Finally, since 1999 I have come to know Simon Guendelman personally as well as professionally. I can recommend his personal honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness without hesitation. In summary I would recommend Sim/Tech Construction for any construction project you undertake. Avigen will continue to use Sim/Tech services into the future.

Sincerely,


Frederick A. Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President of Operations


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