$2.8M expansion for Novartis's Victoria lab

A P.E.I.animal research clinic announced a $2.8 million expansion Friday.

Novartis Animal Health Canada said its facility in Victoria will grow to help with the research and development of new vaccines to prevent viral and bacterial diseases in fish and to control sea lice.

Riad Sherif, the company's president, saida new laboratory space would be done this year. A new office and meeting space will be added next year.

"Our plan is to really continue to grow. We see this market of vaccine in salmon is a growing market and we see our investment continue to grow," he said.

Novartis has one facility in Victoria and three in Charlottetown. It recently finished an expansion of one of its Charlottetown sites.

Fourteen more people have been added to its 95 staff members for the increased research and development work in Victoria.

'More jobs, a stronger economy'

While there is no government money involved in the expansion, Premier Robert Ghiz was invited to the announcement.

"We are proud to be working with Novartis as it continues to invest in and expand its Island operations," Ghiz said in a media release. "The addition of new laboratories and office space in Victoria means more jobs, a stronger economy and significant research contributions for the sustainability of our fisheries."

"Today's announcement was made possible by the government's commitment to leading and advancing its life sciences industry now and into the future," Sherif added. "We look forward to continuing to grow our Novartis presence on the Island."

Frank Carochi, business head for Novartis, said it was a good day.

"Prince Edward Island is an ideal location for our aqua health research and development and manufacturing activities because of the dedication of the province to aquaculture, and organizations such as the P.E.I. BioAlliance," he said in a media release.

"The Island is an excellent place to live and a natural fit for our employees who like to work in a dynamic environment."