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A new Boston headquarters will empower a global healthcare company to continue its legacy of innovation. Founded in 1971 by Dr. Jack Latham, Haemonetics initially produced blood collection supplies and has since expanded to offer an array of leading-edge medical technology products and services in 16 countries worldwide. Despite that growth, Haemonetics’ corporate offices had remained nearly untouched in Braintree, Massachusetts, since 1976. The new, modern facility—close to academic and medical communities—will house hundreds of employees dedicated to pursuing advancements and improving patient care.
Maria Vasallo
Dimitra Maniatis, the organization’s project manager and director of global real estate and facilities, was part of the site selection team and helped coordinate all aspects of the critical project. “This is a strategic move for a company like ours that wants to attract and retain the very best talent so we can stay on the forefront of our industry,” says Maniatis, who has experience managing large property portfolios from various roles with Santander Bank and Century 21. Before joining Haemonetics in 2018, she managed a facilities refresh division at Fresenius Medical Care North America.
Haemonetics took over 62,000 square feet of space across multiple floors at a high-rise on Summer Street in bustling downtown Boston. The easily accessible site is just steps from the South Station train terminal and close to Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, and Old North Church.
While the new location is sure to attract young professionals drawn to a major metro area, it’s what’s inside the high-rise that has Maniatis most excited. Her team polled employees and worked with a supportive leadership team to tailor the employee experience to Haemonetics’ mission. “Collaboration drives a company like ours, and that means we need an open workspace and the right environment to encourage interaction,” the facilities director explains.
That concept drove Maniatis and her team to reduce the number of cubicles, interior walls, and other design elements that often increase isolation. A glass staircase with a wood feature wall complements the open concept layout, and each employee has a dedicated personal space complete with a sit/stand desk. That, Maniatis says, is the one feature most employees requested.
Simple email surveys and informal conversations helped Maniatis and her colleagues collect the intel they needed from employees. “We wanted buy-in because this was our employees’ first chance to create their own space and we wanted to give them the exact right work environment,” she explains. In addition to sit/stand desks, employees unanimously wanted warm, serene spaces where they could feel at home. In response, Maniatis eliminated bright and striking colors in favor of wood tones, natural light, and a palette of beige and gray.
The new facility unites corporate, commercial, and R&D teams under one roof. Various types of collaboration spaces, a wellness room, a gym, and a café with cold brew coffee on tap keep workers connected and energized throughout the day.
Although the project has been transformational for corporate culture, Maniatis and Haemonetics completed the project at an unfortunate and unprecedented time. They gathered to celebrate and cut the ceremonial red ribbon at Summer Street on December 11, 2019. By March 10, 2020, Governor Charles Baker had declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Haemonetics had no choice but to close its new offices and move to a fully remote model. As the pandemic unfolded, the company was eventually able to bring R&D teams back, following strict safety and wellness protocols. The entire space now has advanced video and teleconferencing systems.
As companies start to welcome employees back into their offices, Maniatis is excited for what lies ahead. “Our employees have been working this entire time, but now they’re able to do more of that work in a space created just for them, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish together,” she explains.
Haemonetics announced an important development late last year as it grew in size and introduced a new product with regulatory approvals. Haemonetics acquired Cardiva Medical Inc., a California-based manufacturer of vascular closure devices. In September 2021, a novel Haemonetics VASCADE MVP Venous Vascular Closure System became the first device to receive FDA indication for same-day discharge following atrial fibrillation.
The company is demonstrating its ability to innovate well into the future. As it does, an ongoing commitment to improving patient care—together with a new headquarters—is giving Haemonetics a new culture, a new identity, and a new home.
Cresa is the world’s only global commercial real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents occupiers and specializes in the delivery of fully integrated real estate solutions. We think beyond space, strengthening those we serve and enhancing the quality of life for our clients. Delivered across every industry, Cresa’s services include transaction management, workplace solutions, project management, consulting, lease administration, technology, investment banking and capital markets, and portfolio solutions. In partnership with London-based Knight Frank, Cresa provides service through 16,000 real estate experts, across 380 offices in 51 territories. For more information, please visit cresa.com.
