Opens new state-of-the-art testing laboratory, adding 90 jobs



Canadian Blood Services opened a new testing laboratory at their Brampton blood production and distribution centre in the city’s east end. The state-of-the-art 28,000 square-foot laboratory addition enhances the organization’s productivity as a biologics manufacturer, and fine-tunes the efficiency for a safe and secure blood system.



By investing in the Brampton community, and housing several components of Canadian Blood Services’ operations, the facility increases productivity, improves services to hospitals, reduces operating costs and delivers improved value for all Canadians. The investment concentrates regional testing work at the new Brampton facility, and allows future expansion.



Canadian Blood Services is hosting a grand opening and media tour of the new testing laboratory on Friday, March 2.



Canadian Blood Services holds an important place in Brampton’s growing health and life sciences sector. This sector is a focus area for the City’s economic development efforts, with dedicated resources and support to help drive growth and investment. The City is taking an active role building partnerships with health sector businesses, care providers and public sector organizations to facilitate employment and innovation.



A key investment decision for the company was the City’s proximity three major highways — the 401, 427 and 407 — and to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Blood samples can be shipped quickly to Brampton for testing, which helps get safe blood products to hospitals quickly. The new Brampton testing laboratory reduces costs for pickup of biomedical waste and decontamination.



The Brampton expansion represents a significant investment in the Brampton community, and helps move life-saving blood products to communities across the province. In total, Canadian Blood Services employs almost 400 people at its Brampton facility. The Brampton testing laboratory performs donor testing activities for the eastern half of Canada, representing 60 per cent of the country's donor testing.



Quotes

“I want to congratulate Canadian Blood Services on their expansion, and thank them for their vital investment in our community. When it comes to donating blood I know the people of Brampton are always ready and willing to step up.”

Mayor Linda Jeffrey



“Canadian Blood Services expansion in Brampton is great news for the City and for the organization. They will benefit from Brampton’s great location, access to transportation and infrastructure, and Brampton benefits from growth in a high-growth sector and new high-skilled jobs. Congratulations Canadian Blood Services on your grand opening.”

City Councillor Jeff Bowman, Chair, Economic Development and Culture



“We are very excited about Canadian Blood Services’ expansion in our city. This is a strategic growth sector for us, and we look forward to working with them and other businesses, supporting strong partnerships in the health and life sciences sector as well as investment and expansion needs as we grow together.”

Bob Darling, Director, Economic Development and Culture



-30-

MEDIA CONTACT

Brian Stittle

Sr. Media Coordinator

City of Brampton

905.874.2143 | Brian StittleSr. Media CoordinatorCity of Brampton905.874.2143 | brian.stittle@brampton.ca

We are a future ready organization with a sharp focus. We know our community’s growth, youth and diversity set us apart. We sit at the centre of Canada’s innovation super corridor, encouraging investment and growing our global success. We are building vibrant urban centres that ignite opportunity and instill pride in the people who live and work here. We are moving Brampton forward to be a connected city that is innovative, inclusive and bold. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . Learn more at www.brampton.ca