DESSAU, GERMANY and CAMBRIDGE, ON--(Marketwired - Mar 15, 2016) - IDT Biologika and Gallant Custom Laboratories celebrated the acquisition and the planned expansion of their combined animal health operations in North America at an event, at Langdon Hall, near their Cambridge, Ontario facilities. Gallant has been a staple of the Ontario economy and a contributing member of the Canadian animal health industry for more than 20 years. With the support of IDT Biologika, Gallant will continue to serve as a leader in the Canadian animal health market, as well as develop a stronger presence throughout North America.
"This acquisition is an important milestone in our globalization strategy. IDT Biologika is highlighting its expanding commitment to meeting the vaccine needs in key international markets," said Dr. Ralf Pfirmann, Chief Executive Officer of IDT Biologika.
Andreas Kastenbauer, head of IDT's animal health division, added, "Gallant is an ideal partner with which IDT Biologika will enter into the North American animal health marketplace because of its strong customer relationships, innovative autogenous biologics portfolio, technical manufacturing infrastructure, and talented management team. We look forward to working with local, regional and national officials to continue contributing to the Canadian economy, and to advance the offerings critical to the animal health marketplace."
IDT/Gallant plans to contribute to the Canadian economy by hiring additional staff members over the next five years, upgrading the current facilities to support future expansion, increasing research collaborations with the local veterinary school and other Canadian universities with a focus on animal health and livestock/agriculture, and joining the Canadian Animal Health Institute as a full member to actively participate in the prevention of animal diseases in Canada.
"The recent registration of IDT's Ecoporc Shiga, our innovative, globally unique pig vaccine against edema disease, and the registration in progress of two further animal vaccines with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency moves us one step closer to being Canada's leading 'vaccine-only' animal health company," said Jackie Gallant, President of Gallant Custom Laboratories, now an IDT Biologika company.
"As a member of the IDT Biologika family, Gallant can explore the development of new and needed vaccines to treat a variety of diseases among various animal species and share these innovations with veterinarians in North America. As part of IDT's animal health business Gallant will have a key role in supporting the protection of animal health," added Andreas Kastenbauer.
In addition to Dr. Ralf Pfirmann, Andreas Kastenbauer and Mrs. Jackie Gallant, special guests at the celebration included City of Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development Senior Foreign Direct Investment Consultant, Employment and Infrastructure John Thomas, City of Cambridge Director of Economic Development James Goodram and Ms Jean Szkotnicki, President, Canadian Animal Health Institute.
"As the trade association representing the developers, manufacturers and distributors of animal pharmaceuticals, biologics, feed additives and animal pesticides in Canada, we are honored to welcome IDT Biologika and Gallant to our membership roster, and it was my pleasure to participate in today's celebration to honor their expanded operations in Canada," said Ms. Szkotnicki.
About IDT Biologika
IDT Biologika is an innovative life science company with a 95-year tradition headquartered in Dessau, Germany with extensive expertise and business in research, development manufacturing and supply of vaccines for human and animal health use worldwide, and in addition providing fill, finish and packaging services for vaccines, antibodies and proteins. It has expanded its longstanding sought-after activity in vaccine development for Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical projects for the human vaccine market through its recently acquired Rockville, USA facility. The company also operates vaccine development and manufacturing facilities in Riems, Germany and Cambridge, Canada and sales offices for its own animal health vaccines and biologics product portfolio in Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Poland, China and Canada. IDT Biologika is a portfolio company of the Klocke Holding. The other Klocke portfolio companies specialize in contract manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. More information can be found at www.idt-biologika.com.
Photo/caption: From left to right, Gallant Custom Laboratories President Jackie Gallant, IDT Biologika Corporation President Dr. Ralf Pfirmann, Canadian Animal Health Institute President Jean Szkotnicki, Cambridge (Ontario) Mayor Doug Craig and IDT Biologika Managing Director Andreas Kastenbauer celebrate the acquisition of Gallant Custom Laboratories by IDT Biologika. Following the 2015 acquisition, the companies are continuing their important work in developing vaccines and other biologics for the global protection of human and animal health.
