CANAAN, Conn. (Sept. 2, 2021) – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today celebrated the 60th anniversary of its manufacturing facility in Canaan, Conn., and recognized the plant for its meaningful contributions to health care readiness and resiliency.

The site began its operations in 1961 with eight employees at a 25,000 sq. ft. facility, which was specifically designed to manufacture the BD^® Syringe, the world’s first-ever fully sterile, single-use disposable plastic syringe. This innovation enabled a wide-scale transition to disposable syringes, which reduced the risk of patient-to-patient disease transmission. The site also later began producing safety-engineered syringes and needles that help to protect health care workers from needlestick injuries.

BD in Canaan has been instrumental in producing the drug delivery devices needed to respond to major health care crises from smallpox to H1N1 and now, enabling the administration of millions of COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S. and around the world. Associates at the BD facility in Canaan have a deep commitment and passion to support the health care community in meeting critical needs for vaccination and essential medical supplies, with an average employee tenure of 11 years. Information about the BD Canaan plant’s legacy over the past six decades can be found at: bd.com/60years.

Today, BD in Canaan continues to be a major supplier of syringes in the U.S. and around the world. As a result of numerous expansions over the years, the site has grown to 385,000 sq. ft. and now employs nearly 450 associates. Operations take place around the clock, producing more than 2 billion medical devices each year that are in sold in every region worldwide.

“Our Canaan facility has been at the forefront of major innovations in health care throughout its 60-year history and continues to manufacture high-quality products that contribute to the health and well-being of patients and practitioners,” said Dustin Andersen, plant manager at BD in Canaan. “We would like to thank our associates here for their contributions and dedication to advancing the world of health in Connecticut and around the world, particularly as we continue to meet the demand of global COVID-19 vaccination delivery.”

State and local officials participated in the recognition virtually to congratulate the Canaan team on this notable milestone and celebrate their continued commitment to improving health care.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the importance of having a vibrant, cutting-edge manufacturing sector in Connecticut. The team at BD in Canaan worked tirelessly to produce the syringes and needles necessary to get shots into arms and help address this public health crisis. Our state is grateful for their hard work throughout the pandemic and for the past 60 years.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “BD in Canaan has been at the tip of the spear in fighting this insidious pandemic – providing medical devices that save countless lives across the world. It has made immeasurable contributions to innovation and efficiency in healthcare with heroic life-saving products. I am grateful for BD’s skilled and caring workforce at the frontline now and over the past 60 years, and I am incredibly proud they’re here in Connecticut.”

Governor Ned Lamont said, “BD has an amazing history and legacy of innovation, and I am incredibly proud that for the last six decades they’ve been manufacturing these life-saving products here in Connecticut. There’s no doubt that the products BD manufactures are responsible for saving lives and improving access to health care for countless people across the globe. Now more than ever, people are recognizing the impact that medical technology companies like BD can have on the world. We are proud to have BD in Connecticut and look forward to many more years of innovation and success here.”

BD’s operations in Canaan have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for achieving the Energy Star Challenge for Industry for energy reduction. The Canaan site is a leader in solar energy and home to BD’s largest solar power installation, which is also among the largest in the state of Connecticut. The site is a land-fill free site, where waste is reduced, recycled or converted into energy.

Beyond its manufacturing success, BD in Canaan also plays an important role in community giving and philanthropy. Since 2010, BD in Canaan has contributed more than $275,000 to the local community and volunteer outreach to organizations such as United Way of Northwest Connecticut, Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, among others. Last year, BD in Canaan also contributed to the Sharon Hospital $1 million challenge for COVID-19 and emergency preparedness efforts.

About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/bd1 and Twitter @BDandCo.

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