Saco’s newest industrial park, Mill Brook Business Park, has a bead on an anchor tenant.

A biotechnology firm, Maine Molecular Quality Controls Inc., now based in Scarborough, is asking the city for a tax break that would allow it to build a 16,000-square-foot headquarters and laboratory space in the park. Founders Joan Gordon and Clark Rundell submitted a letter to the city requesting an 80 percent break on property taxes for 10 years. The break is needed, according to Gordon, president of Maine Molecular, to ensure the company can hire at least one new scientist a year for $80,000 in salary and benefits.

The building would cost about $5 million to construct, and the company plans to expand it to 30,000 square feet within a decade. It also plans to add 30 employees over the same time span. At the current tax rate of $18.62, Gordon estimates the tax break would save the company $80,000 a year while providing $20,000 annually in property taxes to the city. The request was scheduled to be considered during a city workshop Monday night.

In Gordon’s letter, she asked that the city consider the request in light of the potential the operation would have in attracting other tenants to the park; the high-paying jobs it would generate; and the tax benefits to the city once the tax break ends in 10 years.

The 70-acre business park was developed in 2009 with about a $2 million investment from the city.

SUDS WITH SOLE

Talk about an ideal location. SymQuest, a business that designs, installs and supports technology in the workplace, just moved into shiny new digs in the Bates Mill in Lewiston. The new 3,000-square-foot office doubles the size of its previous space in Auburn and allows SymQuest to expand its workforce to 70 in the next three years, according to the company.

As part of its grand opening, SymQuest announced it was offering a $25,000 technology makeover for any nonprofit that serves Androscoggin County. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 12 at www.SymQuest.com.

The recent fete was enlivened by the fare of SymQuest’s new neighbors: Baxter Brewing and Fish Bones restaurant. They provided the refreshments. Yum.

Business Editor Carol Coultas can be contacted at 791-6460 or at:

ccoultas@pressherald.com