Biotech company Fortius Canada Inc. has expanded its facility at the Charlottetown Airport Business Park to accommodate new processing equipment and increase its production capabilities. The expansion became necessary to meet the demand created by rapidly increasing sales.
Fortius moved to PEI from Alberta in 2001. The company produces naturally based nutraceutical products. The company specializes in products for human health. At the time of its move, the company cited its ability to work with the University of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Veterinary College in product development as a key selling point for moving to Prince Edward Island.
“With a focus on innovation, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is strongly committed to diversifying our economy,” said Minister Joe McGuire. “As a key player in PEI’s rapidly emerging biosciences sector, Fortius Canada is a perfect illustration of the success companies can experience operating from Atlantic Canada.”
“I am very impressed with the growth of Fortius,” said Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. “The company has been aggressive in sales and committed to securing a strong and balanced customer base. That has paid off with significant growth and, most important, significant long-term job creation. With the construction of the Institute for Nutriscience and Health we expect to see more companies like this one locating and growing in this province.”
“Expanding our operations here in Charlottetown will give us a facility that’s cost effective on a global basis,” noted Alan Andreasen, CEO of Fortius Canada Inc. “There’s no question that our products, facility and manufacturing competence have an exemplary reputation. Thanks in large part to the effort of our employees; we have seen our sales grow from just under a million dollars annually in 2001, to over $5 million last year.”
Quality control, a critical aspect of the business, is Fortius’ top priority. As a result, the company’s state-of-the-art production facility, has achieved GMP-compliance for the production of pharmaceuticals. The company expects that the newly expanded facility will be able to accommodate up to $12 million in annual sales. Currently, Fortius Canada exports approximately 40 per cent of its products.
At the start of the expansion, the company predicted it would hire an additional 15 production workers. In fact, it has hired 20 new employees. There are currently 53 people employed at Fortius.
Total cost of the expansion was $811, 995. ACOA provided a $400,000 repayable contribution toward the purchase of new equipment and for building costs. Prince Edward Island Business Development contributed 24.6 percent of the total costs.