Valeant Pharmaceuticals is expanding its Canadian manufacturing and export capacity, investing $27.5 million in its Steinbach, Manitoba and Laval, Quebec manufacturing facilities.
 
The company will invest $15 million in its Steinbach facility, including $7 million in upgrades to product manufacturing technology and $8 million for the transfer of North American production of Xifaxan and Apriso. These drugs are used to treat hepatic encephalopathy and irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
 
Valeant will also invest $12.5 million in its Laval, Quebec facility, which includes $10 million to upgrade product manufacturing technology, as well as $2.5 million for the transfer of production of antibiotic Arestin, to Laval. The transfer will create 15 new engineering and production jobs and builds upon the transfer of Jublia production to Quebec earlier this year.

"Our investments reflect our ongoing commitment to growing our operational presence and export capacity in Canada," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and chief executive officer. "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 centers. 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."