Valeant Canada aims to boost local manufacturing with $27.5M investment

Jun. 20, 2016 – Valeant Pharmaceuticals International’s wholly-owned subsidiary Valeant Canada will be investing a total of $27.5 million in its Steinbach, Man., and Laval, Que., manufacturing facilities in an effort to expand its manufacturing and export capacity.

“Our investments reflect our ongoing commitment to growing our operational presence and export capacity in Canada,” said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO. “Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to spend time with our employees in Steinbach and Laval, and am struck by the level of talent and innovation at these world-class manufacturing centres. These facilities play a critical role in advancing healthcare technology both in Canada, and around the globe, and we are proud to take on an even larger role in further bolstering Canada’s life sciences economy.”

The company says it will invest $15 million in its Steinbach location by the end of the yeaer, including $7 million in upgrades to product manufacturing technology and $8 million for the transfer of North American production of Xifaxan (rifaximin) and Apriso (mesalamine), two pharmaceutical products prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. With more than 400 employees, the plant currently operates 24-hours, 5 days a week as well as limited shifts on the weekends.

“These investments will support the facility’s growth and expand its role as a key exporter of leading healthcare products while ensuring robust security for products traveling through international distribution channels,” says the manufacturer.

Meanwhile, the Laval facility will receive a $12.5-million investment, which includes $10 million to upgrade product manufacturing technology, as well as $2.5 million associated with the transfer of production of Arestin (minocycline hydrochloride), an antibiotic treatment to Laval. According to the company, the transfer of Arestin will create 15 new engineering and production jobs, and builds on the transfer of Jublia production to Quebec, which was announced this past January.