Aided by provincial government, Sekisui completes renovation and announces expansion

Creating jobs for Islanders -

Graham Coll is one of many highly specialized workers who have been drawn to Sekisui Diagnostics both for its fast-growing international reputation and for its Prince Edward Island location.

The Ontario native moved to the Island in 2013 to join the bioscience company as a process development scientist, which has allowed him to put his master’s in biotechnology to good use. Today officials from Sekisui Diagnostics joined government representatives to cut the ribbon on a just-completed $6 million renovation and to announce another major expansion, both of which include funding from the provincial government.

“I love the summers, golf, the beach, and all the delicious food here, but it was the opportunity presented by Sekisui Diagnostics that cemented my decision to move to the Island,” Coll said. “I’m leading a highly specialized team working to transfer new products to PEI, and my team also works to ensure our facilities meet the incredibly high standards our customers have come to expect.

“It’s a fantastic job and an excellent opportunity, and I’m very happy I chose to settle on the Island.”

Sekisui Diagnostics’ recently completed expansion and renovation included two new automated packaging lines, a cold storage building, and full retrofit of their manufacturing and office areas. The provincial government invested $3.5 million in the renovation and it will recoup that investment through its lease arrangement with the company.

With roots in Japan, Sekisui Diagnostics has manufacturing locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Charlottetown. The company leases a provincially owned facility in the West Royalty Industrial Park where it produces IVD (In-Vitro Diagnostic) kits and supporting chemicals for hospitals and clinics all over the world.

“Sekisui Diagnostics has become an anchor company in the province’s growing bioscience sector and is an excellent example of the tremendous success international companies are having right here on Prince Edward Island,” Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald said. “Since 2011 their workforce has grown by 34 full-time positions and we expect that number to grow even further with the expansion announced here today.”

The further expansion includes a new building that will add production capability for clinical diagnostic products that are growing in demand and allow the company to reach new export markets. The province will fund the construction costs of the new building and will recover its investment through its lease agreement with the company. Sekisui Diagnostics will cover the fit up costs for the building once constructed.

“Growth is key for Sekisui Diagnostics, and we are very excited for this new expansion here at the PEI facility,” Director of Manufacturing Brian Stewart said.  “We take time today to reflect on our many successes to date, and look forward to a strong future here on the Island.   We appreciate the collaboration with the provincial government on their commitment to us and to the bioscience industry on Prince Edward Island. ”

Bioscience is a rapidly growing industry on Prince Edward Island. Since 2005 the number of people working in the industry has nearly tripled to 1,500 employees. It represents over $200 million in annual exports.

Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca