Sekisui Diagnostics to add jobs with latest expansion
Creating jobs for Islanders -
The second expansion in as many years at Sekisui Diagnostics will bring new jobs and help the company increase its production and develop new export markets that will boost the Island’s economy.
Premier Wade MacLauchlan and His Excellency Kimihiro Ishikane, Japan’s ambassador to Canada, cut the ribbon on the expanded facility today in Charlottetown along with Sekisui representatives from Japan and Canada. Sekisui Diagnostics PEI manufactures invitro diagnostic kits for the medical field.
“Sekisui Diagnostics is a tremendous example of the strength of the bioscience industry on Prince Edward Island today,” Premier MacLauchlan said. “It also demonstrates the huge potential of foreign direct investment in Island companies. With its strong backing from Japan, Sekisui Diagnostics has been very successful in Charlottetown as it continues to grow, add jobs and identify new export markets for its products.”
The provincial government invested $400,000 in the $1.2 million expansion project. That investment will be recovered through the company’s lease agreement with the province. It also provided $200,000 in non-repayable support to assist with the fit up of the new space. In 2017 the provincial government funded a $3.5 million expansion to the facility which is also being recovered through the lease agreement.
"This ceremony is very significant because it is happening while Japan and Canada are celebrating their 90th year of diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Ishikane said. “The activities of Sekisui Diagnostics PEI are a strong demonstration of the level and quality of the economic relationship between Japan and Canada. With this new investment, I am optimistic that Sekisui Diagnostics can better meet the needs of the markets and strengthen the economic ties between Japan and PEI as well as Canada."
“This marks our second straight year of major expansion at our Charlottetown facility, demonstrating the commitment to growth on PEI by our Japanese parent company,” Site Director for Sekisui Diagnostics PEI Brian Stewart said. “It is through the strength of our dedicated and talented employees that this expansion will be put to good use and drive our business forward. We are honoured to have such distinguished guests here with us today to celebrate this occasion as we look forward to the exciting future ahead on PEI.”
Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca