'Monumental' news for Philips Healthcare?

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July 17, 2008

By Brian Messenger

Philips Healthcare, which is owned by the Netherlands-based Philips Electronics, is expected to issue important news at its Andover location on Tuesday, and Gov. Deval Patrick will be in town when the news is announced, according to Selectman Brian Major.

Major, an employee of Philips Healthcare, made an announcement on Monday, July 14 at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen. A press conference is planned for Tuesday, July 22 on Minuteman Road, Major said.

No details were officially announced by Philips Healthcare, which is owned by the Netherlands-based Philips Electronics, though a July 22 event in Andover was confirmed by Philips Healthcare Public Relations Manager Ian Race.

"There is no official comment until next week," said Race. "Unfortunately, it would be premature to discuss before that announcement is made."

"All we know is that it's a major announcement from Phillips," said Joe Bevilacqua, president and CEO of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We think it's going to be a monumental statement, from what we've been told so far."

Bevilacqua said he expects the announcement will have an impact beyond both Andover and the Merrimack Valley region.

"It will have statewide implications," said Bevilacqua.

A call to Patrick's office seeking comment was not returned.

Andover is already home to a Philips Healthcare (also referred to as Philips Medical Systems) global co-headquarters on Minuteman Road. The other co-headquarters is in Europe — in Best, the Netherlands. Philips Healthcare also has North American regional offices in Bothell, Wash., and Markham, Onterio.

Along with a regional office in Hong Kong and sales and service operations in more than 60 countries, Philips Healthcare employs 33,000 people, according to the company Web site.

Bevilacqua said any potential Philips Healthcare expansion in Andover would be both a testament to local employees and proof that the company's leaders are "committed to growing the company in the Merrimack Valley."

Any consolidation of operations in Andover by Philips Healthcare could result in bringing a variety of jobs to the area, including skilled manufacturing positions, according to Rep. Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover).

"I've been hearing the same information," said L'Italien of Tuesday's press conference. "If in fact it is true, next week's news will be very good news for Andover."