Hassan Welcomes Gamma Medica To Salem

Gov. Maggie Hassan welcomed Gamma Medica and its employees to New Hampshire on Friday morning after the company decided to relocate to Salem.

Hassan leaned more about the medical firm's cutting edge digital imaging technology which will help doctors better detect breast cancer.

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH. Was scheduled to attend the company's grand opening celebration, but had to remain in Washington.

"It is fitting that this ceremony takes place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a disease which Gamma Medica strives to detect and diagnose," said Ayotte in a written statement.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH and u.S. Rep. Ann Kuster, D-NH, also sent their well wishes and also remained in Washington where negotiations continue to end the federal governed shutdown.

State Senate President Chuck Morse was also onhand along with several Salem town officials and state House Representatives.

"To the entire Gamma Medica team, it is my honor to welcome you to the State of New Hampshire," Hassan said.

Hassan said she was also pleased to welcome the company during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said Gamma Medica is an example of the type of economic growth and jobs she wants to see in New Hampshire. She said the research and development tax credit program played a role in the company's decision to come to Salem.

Gamma Medica President and CEO Jim Calandra said they moved to Salem to take advantage of New Hampshire business tax climate and because of its close location to Boston and the available skilled workforce. He said Gamma Medica plans to invest more than $20 million to further develop their technology and to add 30 more jobs.

Calandra said that 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue which makes current mammography screening unlikely to identify early-stage cancers. He said Gamma Medica's LumaGEM Molecular Breast Imagaing system is designed to help radiologits diagnose those challenging cases so women with breast cancer can get earlier treatment.

Morse said the opening of this facility "speaks volumes" about the benefits of doing business in New Hampshire.

"I am confident that this facility and this company will strengthen the economy in southern New Hampshire for years to come," Morse said.

Jeff Rose, the commissioner of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, said Gamma Medica officials know they can grow their business here and be successful and this could inspire other firms to come here also.