Issue of Jan. 25
NRG Energy opens headquarters
NRG Energy, a wholesale power generation company, officially opened its headquarters in West Windsor Jan. 19.
NRG announced plans to move into the space at 211 Carnegie Center in April 2004. The company’s move from Minneapolis brings 230 professional jobs to the area.
The move is part of a new regional business strategy, which calls for the company to be closer to its primary power facilities and better serve its stakeholders.
NRG owns power plants in Connecticut, New York, New York City, Delaware and Maryland. The company sited West Windsor’s quality of life and proximity to a variety of transportation systems as why the area was selected.
Tyco execs’ retrial begins
The retrial of two top Tyco International executives began Jan. 18.
Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz are accused of stealing $600 million in company funds to finance lavish lifestyles. The pair’s first trial was stopped after six months last year after a juror received a menacing letter and telephone call.
According to published reports, prosecutors are expected to present a shorter, leaner case against Mr. Kozlowski, Tyco’s former chairman and CEO, and Mr. Swartz, former finance chief. The retrial is expected to last a little more than four months.
Tyco, nominally based in Bermuda, has operational headquarters in West Windsor.
Radio stations to swap spots
Nassau Broadcasting Partners, in West Windsor, is switching the dial positions of its two principal Trenton-area radio stations.
WPST-FM, now found at 97.5 FM, will switch places with WTHK-FM, known as the Hawk, at 94.5 FM on Feb. 14.
The broadcasting company decided to switch the stations to give WPST-FM, which plays new hit music, access to more listeners farther north.
In its new position at 94.5 FM, WPST-FM will reach 6.5 million people, while 97.5 FM can reach only 5.6 million.
WTHK-FM, a classic rock station already popular in Bucks County and Philadelphia suburbs, such as Burlington, Ocean, Camden and Gloucester counties, will enhance its southern focus.
The formats at each station will not change.
Barrier gets positive feedback
Plainsboro-based Barrier Therapeutics reported positive data from studies on two of its oral dermatology products.
Rambazole, for the treatment of severe psoriasis, and Axoline, an antifungal that was tested as a treatment for athlete’s foot, were reviewed in early-stage studies, the company said Jan. 13.
Bristol-Myers confirms OTC sale
Bristol-Myers Squibb, with research headquarters in Lawrence, officially announced plans to divest its U.S. and Canadian consumer medicine business.
The company said in a press release issued Jan. 12 it will contact prospective buyers for the over-the-counter line in coming weeks. Its consumer medicine businesses in Japan, China, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa will not be included in the sale.
Bristol-Myers’ primary OTC brands in the United States and Canada include the pain reliever Excedrin, Keri lotions and Comtrex cold and flu remedies.
In other news, Bristol-Myers and Medarex, based in Princeton Township, have completed an agreement to develop and commercialize an antibody that has shown promise as a skin cancer treatment.
The antibody, known as MDX-010, is currently in late-stage clinical trials. Bristol-Myers is giving Medarex an initial $50 million payment in the deal, with future payments of up to $25 million if the antibody passes regulatory hurdles.
Sarnoff offers HDTV solution
West Windsor’s Sarnoff Corp. introduced a new product Jan. 10 to improve the quality of high-definition television.
ClearLoc, a new demodulator for TV receivers and set-top boxes, delivers better over-the-air digital and HDTV performance under severe reception conditions, as well as full cable TV reception.
"ClearLoc delivers a stable, outstanding picture," said William Mayweather, senior director of business operations at Sarnoff, in a statement. "Our customers asked for better performance and ClearLoc provides the best price-performance combination available today."
Verizon Wireless expands network
In an effort to provide improved wireless service for local residents and tourists, Verizon Wireless has expanded its wireless network in the Hopewell area.
Verizon created a new cell site providing increased coverage and capacity along Routes 569 and 518, the company said in a Jan. 10 statement.
"This network expansion in Hopewell will allow us to continue to meet the growing need of local businesses and consumers for voice calls and data applications with our high-speed service and downloadable applications," said Christine Baron, Verizon Wireless regional president, in a press release.
The new cell site is part of a multi-billion dollar network investment Verizon Wireless makes each year.

