[June 12, 2014]

Acadian Seaplants Expansion Good News Story of the Year

The completion of Acadian Seaplants Limited's enhanced production facility and its acquisition of Ireland's largest seaweed company combined to become BioNova's good news story of the year for 2013/14. The announcement was made this evening at a gathering to celebrate the life sciences industry's successes over the past year.

Acadian Seaplants, the global leader in the processing of seaweed-based products has made headlines recently with the completion of its multi-million dollar expansion in Cornwallis and the purchase of Arramara Teoranta on the west coast of Ireland, cementing the company's position as the largest company of its kind in the world.

"We're honoured to be receiving the Good News Story award," Jean-Paul Deveau, President of Acadian Seaplants said. "Everyone has been working hard these last few years and yes, we've taken risks, but with a global vision, excellent technologies, excellent products and a great team, those risks are paying off." Deveau added that being acknowledged by his peers at BioNova was most rewarding. "The life sciences industry is inherently risky and we're all working hard under challenging conditions to grow our businesses," he said. "I'm flattered that we've been recognized amongso many good stories."

Back in 2009, when most companies were slowing down because of the looming recession, Acadian Seaplants announced it would be expanding its Cornwallis plant to improve quality, boost productivity and increase exports. The grand opening of the Deveau Centre, which has improved production capacity by as much as 80 percent, takes place next week.

A selection panel comprised of three business journalists chose the Acadian Seaplants story among several others from the past 12 months.

"I like the risk taking side of the Acadian Seaplants story," said one of the panel members. "I like how adept they were at reacting to the economic challenges and changes in their markets."

According to BioNova CEO Marli MacNeil, 2013-14 was marked by a number of compelling stories for the life sciences community.

"There were a number of important milestones reached in the past year including significant investment being raised, new products being launched, positive clinical trial results and recognition for the innovators and entrepreneurs in the region," she said. MacNeil added that with so much good news, she was glad she didn't have to choose the winning story.

The announcement was made at BioNova's Good News and Blues networking reception. In addition to highlighting the achievements in the past year, the event featured three bands made up of members of the life sciences community: Dalhousie School of Biomedical Engineering's No Longer Hip; The Replayables, made up of ACOA employees; and the Innovators featuring staff members from Innovacorp.

About BioNova

BioNova is Nova Scotia's life sciences organization, representing companies working in drug & vaccine development, medical technologies, natural health products & nutraceuticals, digital health and bioproducts, as well as research organizations, service providers and other supporters.

About Acadian Seaplants

Acadian Seaplants Limited is a fully-integrated, bio-tech manufacturer of premium agricultural products, cultivated sea-vegetables and functional ingredients derived from select species of aquatic plants. Founded in 1981, Acadian established the seaweed industry in Canada and today is the world leader in marine plant products for people, animals and plants with exports to over 80 countries.

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