Belgian biotechnology firm Innogenetics S.A. has set up its Canadian and North American operations in Montréal. Innogenetics Québec is working with the dermatology division of Lipogram to develop a new treatment for psoriasis and pursuing research in other areas, including the post-injury scarring process.
Florasynth Canada is a subsidiary of a New York group specializing in aromatics for perfumes and food. The company will be building a $3.5 million extraction plant in Amqui, Québec, its first in Canada. The technology used was developed in cooperation with the Université de Sherbrooke and the Québec biomass Development Centre. Florasynth already has a plant in Montréal, where it makes ingredients from natural aeromatics.
A large Belgian pharmaceuticals groupe, UCB PHARMA, has made a strong commitment to the Canadian market by establishing its new Canadian head office UCB PHARMA Canada in Montréal. This cutting-edge company, with sales of $600 million in 1993, is known mainly for its expertise in the treatment of the central nervous system and the cerebro-cardiovascualr system, as well as in immunoallergology.
Lundbeck, a Danish pharmaceuticals company, has chosen to establish its Canadian headquarters and distribution centre in Montréal. Acording to Ole Chrintz, President of Lundbeck Canada, this move will create some 25 jobs. The company specializes in the treatment of central nervous system disorders.
Industrial Fibers Industries of Chicago, and Gestion Hampson, of Montréal, have joined forces to found Technologies Fibrox in Thetford Mines, and invest over $4 million in producing a new mineral fibre with applications in aeronautics, automobile and wear parts. The new firm will generate 60 jobs in the coming months, according to Fibrox President Geoffrey Hampson.
Rayshem, a California firm, is starting construction in Dorval on a plant to produce explosion-proof surge arrestors. The investment of nearly $3 million will translate into about 30 jobs by the time the plant comes on line in early 1995.