BD Marks 65 Years of Pioneering Medical Technology in Canaan, Connecticut

Celebrating 65 Years of BD in Canaan, Connecticut

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has reached an impressive milestone, celebrating 65 years of manufacturing excellence in Canaan, Connecticut. This site is not only the birthplace of the world's first fully sterile, single-use plastic syringe, but also stands as the largest syringe manufacturing operation in the United States.

The journey began in 1961, when BD opened its Canaan facility with a humble crew of eight employees working in a 25,000-square-foot building. Back then, the facility was producing approximately 10 million syringes per year. Today, thanks to technological advancements and dedicated staff, over 500 employees operate within a far larger 385,000-square-foot plant, which cranks out more than 2 billion syringes annually.

The introduction of the BD® Syringe marked a pivotal moment in the medical field, facilitating a transition from reusable glass syringes to safer plastic ones. This innovation significantly minimized the risk of disease transmission between patients, improving safety standards across healthcare practices globally.

Over the decades, the Canaan workforce has played a crucial role in public health initiatives, contributing to large-scale vaccination efforts, including those for smallpox, H1N1, and more recently, COVID-19. Eric Borin, President of Medication Delivery Solutions at BD, acknowledged the vital work done in Canaan, stating that the BD® Syringe serves approximately 80 patients every second. He emphasized the commitment to maintaining high-quality manufacturing processes that healthcare professionals rely on.

In the last five years alone, BD has invested over $34 million into modernizing its Canaan facility, expanding production capabilities with the addition of three new syringe manufacturing lines alongside significant equipment upgrades. This solidifies BD's ongoing dedication to U.S.-based manufacturing while ensuring healthcare providers can consistently access reliable, high-quality medical technologies.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont commended BD’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, production, and job growth within the state. He remarked, “For 65 years, this site has supported good jobs, strengthened our manufacturing economy and produced medical devices used in patient care around the world.” This sentiment was echoed by local legislators who recognized that BD's operations exemplify how advanced manufacturing can yield meaningful community benefits.

At the anniversary celebration, BD not only reflected on its impressive history but also announced a $10,000 grant to the Community Health & Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides essential healthcare services to residents of northwestern Connecticut. This grant brings BD’s total contributions to the center to $90,000 since 2024, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing community well-being beyond their manufacturing efforts.

BD stands as one of the world’s largest pure-play medical technology firms, dedicated to driving health advancements. With over 60,000 employees globally, the company develops transformative technologies aimed at improving clinical operations and patient care. Their innovative efforts continue to have a profound impact on the healthcare landscape around the globe.

With a legacy rooted in innovation and community support, BD continues to embrace its role as a leader in medical technology, ensuring that their contributions to healthcare will endure for many more years to come.