TORONTO (CP) -- Canadian contract drug maker Patheon Inc. is expanding its Toronto plant to include production of oral contraceptives so the company can compete more effectively for new business in the global market.
Patheon said Friday the expansion adds 10,000 square feet of space dedicated to the production of oral contraceptives with a potential output of 1.3 billion tablets a year.
The expansion is a regulatory requirement to sell oral contraceptives in many countries, said Patheon, which has about 4,900 employees in Canada, the United States and abroad.
By providing dedicated space, Patheon will free up manufacturing capacity at the Toronto plant for current and new business and allow for future growth.
"This expansion positions Patheon to compete on a higher level for contract manufacturing opportunities and claim a larger portion of the global oral contraceptive manufacturing market," said Terry Novak, president of Patheon's North American operations.
In early trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Friday, Patheon shares rose seven cents to $2.47, a gain of 2.9 per cent.