A company that manufactures and sells medical technology around the world has relocated to Winsloe, bringing with it 10 new jobs to the local economy. ARK BIO-MEDICAL was previously located in Sackville, New Brunswick. This investment in Prince Edward Island will enable the company to expand its manufacturing and export operations for electronic medical devices which serve the needs of blood banks and transfusion services worldwide.
ARK BIO-MEDICAL manufactures microwave plasma defrosting units. The traditional method of thawing blood plasma is a warm water bath. ARK BIO-MEDICAL's microwave technology offers several advantages over that method. It decreases the potential for microbial contamination, decreases plasma wastage, reduces the time plasma takes to thaw and provides a product that reduces shock value during transfusion. It is the only instrument of its kind in the world that monitors the temperature of the plasma during the thawing process.
The technology for the microwave plasma defroster is patented by the National Research Council of Canada and licenced on an exclusive basis to the company. Wendell E. Dawson, President and CEO of ARK BIO-MEDICAL, is pleased with the company's decision to relocate to Prince Edward Island. "Our microwave plasma defrosting unit is becoming the preferred technology choice among hospitals and clinics around the world," said Dawson. "By moving the operation to PEI, we are able to better serve our rapidly growing customer base and continue researching new products in the bio-tech industry. As the company grows, we will incorporate other products into our manufacturing facility."
Development Minister Don MacKinnon is pleased that technologically advanced electronic medical devices are now being produced on PEI. "This type of research and development is an important component of the Island's exporting industry," said MacKinnon. "Not only is it creating advanced medical solutions, but it is also creating high-tech jobs in our province."
It is expected that within the first three years of operation the company will have created 10 new full-time, year-round positions.
ARK BIO-MEDICAL intends to use its key product to continue to develop and enhance its reputation as a supplier of biomedical instrumentation to hospitals and clinics around the world. Through product-line development, the company will continue to diversify its product line to meet the changes in this emerging market.
The expansion of ARK BIO-MEDICAL CANADA CORP was funded by the PEI Lending Agency through a $100,000 revolving loan. Prince Edward Island Business Development (PEIBD) is providing $75,000 through its Infrastructure Program and $12,000 through its Low Interest Loan Program.
Prince Edward Island Business Development is the lead business development corporation for the province. Through its New Business Development Division, PEIBD assists bio-technology companies is developing and advancing sound business development initiatives in Prince Edward Island.
For more information, contact Wendell Dawson, President and CEO of ARK Bio-Medical Canada Corporation, (902) 892-5244.