HAMILTON — Ontario’s life sciences sector is receiving a major lift as AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc. announces a $138-million expansion of its Hamilton facility, a project expected to create 70 new high-paying jobs and sustain 131 existing roles. The provincially backed investment strengthens Ontario’s position as a global hub for radiopharmaceutical manufacturing at a time of rising demand for advanced cancer treatments.
AtomVie, a homegrown company and one of Canada’s only large-scale contract development and manufacturing organizations specializing in radiopharmaceuticals, plans to significantly increase production capacity to support both clinical trials and commercial manufacturing. The expansion is aimed at accelerating the delivery of emerging radiopharmaceutical therapies, which target cancer cells with precision and reduce harmful side effects associated with traditional treatments.
Ontario’s government is contributing up to $5 million toward the project through the Invest Ontario Fund. The province positioned the investment as a cornerstone in its broader strategy to build a resilient, competitive, and innovation-driven economy.
“AtomVie’s investment is terrific news for Hamilton workers and strengthens Ontario’s position as a global leader in the production and delivery of radiopharmaceuticals,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With global demand for targeted therapies set to ramp up in the years ahead, AtomVie’s expanded Hamilton facility adds a critical link to our province’s life sciences supply chain and ensures that the production and research of life-saving medical treatments happens right here in Ontario.”
The facility expansion comes amid growing global interest in targeted radiotherapeutics — treatments designed to deliver radioactive isotopes directly to cancerous tissue. Ontario officials say strengthening domestic isotope production bolsters both patient access and provincial competitiveness in a rapidly advancing field.
“We are proud to make this significant investment in Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem,” said Bruno Paquin, Chief Executive Officer of AtomVie. “With more than $138 million committed by AtomVie, this facility will expand access to high-quality radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and ensure that innovative therapies can reach patients who need them. Ontario’s strong nuclear medicine infrastructure and growing radiopharmaceutical community make it the ideal home for this next phase of growth.”
The announcement also reflects Ontario’s efforts to counter the economic impact of U.S. tariffs affecting key provincial sectors. The government’s strategy includes lowering taxes, reducing red tape, and securing major investments to reinforce supply chains and boost job creation. AtomVie’s project is the third major investment announcement by the province in one week, totalling $400.8 million in commitments and up to 435 new or sustained jobs.
Health and energy leaders also underscored the expansion’s significance for Ontario’s role in radiopharmaceutical innovation.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario’s health-care system as a leader in nuclear medicine and life-saving therapies. AtomVie’s expansion in Hamilton will boost radiopharmaceutical production, helping more Ontarians access cutting-edge cancer treatments and bringing world-class treatments closer to home for more families,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“Ontario’s nuclear excellence is driving breakthroughs in cancer care and fueling a new era of medical innovation. This investment expands our isotope production and advances our goal of doubling production by 2030 from Ontario’s Candu nuclear fleet. Together, these efforts strengthen a made-in-Ontario supply chain that the world depends on – creating jobs and saving lives,” added Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Local representatives highlighted the benefits for Hamilton’s growing life sciences cluster, which now contributes to the province’s more than $6 billion in life sciences investments since 2018.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, the Ontario government continues to champion world-class innovation here in Hamilton. This investment towards AtomVie’s expansion will create local skilled jobs for thousands of STEM graduates and increase the production of life-saving medical isotopes used for cancer treatment across the province,” said Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.
“Hamilton is a city built on innovation, skilled workers, and world-class research – and today’s announcement reflects that strength,” said Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton. “AtomVie’s expansion here illustrates the confidence industry leaders have in our community and our growing life sciences sector.”
Invest Ontario, which has helped secure over $11.4 billion in investments since its inception, emphasized the broader global implications.
“It’s always exciting to support projects that will make a meaningful impact, especially those that have the potential to improve and save lives,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.
Patrick Lim, AtomVie’s Chief Financial Officer, added: “Our investment reflects AtomVie’s long-term commitment to global radiopharmaceutical supply and to Ontario as a centre of excellence.”
With construction set to accelerate, the expansion further cements Hamilton’s status as a rising biotechnology hub and strengthens Ontario’s position as a global leader in nuclear medicine and life-saving radiopharmaceuticals.
