News & Events
BD Celebrates 50 Years in Canaan, CT
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Contact: Colleen T. White Canaan, CT (September 16, 2011) – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today celebrated its 50th Anniversary of manufacturing operations in Canaan, Connecticut. As the largest employer in the northwest corner of Connecticut with 350 associates, BD produces billions of syringes annually at its Canaan facility. BD - Canaan’s role in creating a safer injection environment was a primary event theme. In 1961, BD - Canaan began manufacturing the first wave of disposable plastic syringes used in healthcare, an innovation that would soon transform BD by replacing traditional glass syringes to ensure more sterile conditions. In 1998, BD introduced the first safety-engineered syringe (BD SafetyLok™), designed to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries. The wide acceptance of the BD SafetyLok™ Syringe was followed by the introduction of BD SafetyGlide™ Shielding Hypodermic Needle in 2001 and BD Integra™ Syringe with Retractable Needle in 2002. All of these safety devices were first produced in BD’s Canaan facility.
“Fifty years is a significant milestone for BD in Canaan. It is testament to the dedication and commitment of our associates that BD has been able to make so many significant contributions to healthcare, patient and environmental safety over the years,” said Dave Anderson, Plant Manager. BD leaders paid special attention to the BD - Canaan associates and congratulated them for their achievements. “The hard work of our Canaan associates has driven our progress here during the last five decades,” said Alberto Mas, President, BD Medical - Medical Surgical Systems. “One of the reasons that BD selected Canaan as the location for this plant in 1961 was the availability of dedicated, skilled associates. Looking over the last 50 years, we know that the Company made the right decision, and we thank our associates for their contributions to BD’s purpose of ‘Helping all people live healthy lives.’” BD strives to be a good corporate citizen of the Canaan community. In keeping with this commitment, BD honored the late Jack Mahoney, former principal of Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS), with a donation to the 21st Century Fund for HVRHS - Science and Technology Center at today’s event. During his tenure as principal there, HVRHS was named one of four Outstanding Schools in Connecticut by the National Secondary School Recognition Program, and the 21st Century Fund was among his many endeavors to create opportunities for his students. BD’s relationship with HVRHS began at BD - Canaan’s 25th Anniversary when the site established the HP Becton Scholarship. About BD BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.
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