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 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 to 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 Mrs. 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.