An international bioscience firm is expanding in Prince Edward Island thanks to a $3.5 million renovation.
Sekisui Diagnostics has locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and in Charlottetown – where it leases a provincially owned facility in the West Royalty Industrial Park. Sekisui’s Charlottetown operation is one of its largest, producing clinical chemistry products used in hospitals and clinics globally.
“The bioscience industry is a pillar of the province’s plans for expanding the economy, increasing exports and helping to provide good jobs for Islanders,” said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald. “Sekisui is one of Prince Edward Island’s largest bioscience industry employers, and this expansion and renovation will allow the company to produce new products, increase production of existing products, and hire more staff.”
Since purchasing Genzyme in 2011, Sekisui has added 44 full time jobs and increased revenue significantly.
The $3.5 million expansion and renovation, which is due to be complete by spring 2017, is being funded by the province and carried out by Sekisui. The costs will be recovered through the company’s newly extended 12-year lease with the province.
Skills PEI also supported Sekisui with $120,489 in 2015-2016 for training and graduate mentorship programs aimed at filling key positions within the company.
“Sekisui Diagnostics is dedicated to continue growing the business here on Prince Edward Island,” said Director of Manufacturing Brian Stewart. “Not only do we have a group of highly skilled and dedicated employees, but we have the support and collaboration of government. This renovation will take Sekisui Diagnostics PEI to the next level.”
Bioscience is a rapidly growing industry on Prince Edward Island, where the number of employees in the industry nearly tripled to 1,400 since 2005. It represents over $200 million in annual exports.