In 2006, UCB Pharma Canada was established in Burlington, Ontario, to bring new and improved biopharmaceutical treatment options to Canadian patients who suffer from often-debilitating conditions. Expanding overseas was an important step for UCB in furthering its work in research and the development of treatments. To support such expansion, UCB needed greater access to a skilled work force in the life sciences, opportunities to conduct high-quality clinical trials, as well as access to partnerships with suppliers and other businesses.
The company chose Ontario as its Canadian site for several reasons, including access to reputable business partners within the Greater Toronto area; its proximity to UCB’s operations in Rochester, New York; and access to skilled medical researchers. Rob Hamilton, general Manager of UCB Pharma Canada, says “A skilled work force was an important factor. We’ve had no problem finding people” in Ontario.
