UCB Canada accelerates growth with new expansion in Ontario

Biopharmaceutical leader expands operations and workforce in the province with advisory support from Invest Ontario

OAKVILLE, Ontario, March 5, 2026 – Invest Ontario is pleased to welcome a multi-million-dollar investment from biopharmaceutical company UCB Canada Inc. to further grow its footprint in the province.

The project includes the expansion of UCB Canada’s operations in Oakville and is expected to create 28 high‑value jobs spanning medical, commercial, market access and other specialized roles. Ontario continues to stand out as a prime destination for life sciences companies pursuing their next opportunity, supported by the province’s world‑class talent and strong ecosystem partnerships.

UCB Canada’s footprint in Ontario supports both global project teams and Canadian operations, enabling Ontario‑based talent to contribute to globally significant workstreams and innovation programs that advance the development and commercialization of life‑changing medicines.

The first Economic and Sustainability Impact Report from UCB Canada underscores both our growing ambition in Canada and the critical role the innovative life sciences sector plays in strengthening patient outcomes and economic growth. Our continued expansion in Ontario — including the creation of new, high quality jobs — reflects our long-term commitment to investing where worldclass talent, research excellence and a strong innovation ecosystem come together. Ontario, in particular, has the human capital, infrastructure and collaborative environment to be a global life sciences leader. With the right policy conditions that recognize the value of innovation and support timely patient access to new medicines, Canada can continue to attract investment, fuel innovation and build a more resilient health system and economy.

Rodrigo Reis

General Manager, UCB Canada Inc.

UCB Canada is the Canadian affiliate of UCB, a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. UCB operates in approximately 40 countries and employs more than 9,000 people worldwide. The company is recognized for its expertise in central nervous system diseases, immunology and rare diseases.

UCB established its Canadian operations in Ontario two decades ago and has nearly doubled its workforce across the country over the last three years, with the majority of that growth occurring in Ontario. According to UCB Canada’s inaugural Economic and Sustainability Impact Report, the company’s operations contributed $74 million to the province’s GDP from 2023 to 2025. UCB also supports over 31,000 patients nationally through its Patient Support Programs (PSP). Its continued and accelerated growth reflects the depth of Ontario’s interdisciplinary expertise — from medical and scientific capabilities to commercialization and market access.

With the global demand for life-saving treatments rising, Ontario continues to stand as the world’s top partner for the discovery, development and delivery of next-generation medical solutions. We congratulate UCB Canada on this expansion, and we look forward to seeing their work bolster Ontario’s resilience in this critical sector.

Hon. Vic Fedeli

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Invest Ontario provided non-financial support for UCB Canada’s expansion, including advisory services and market intelligence that helped the company navigate Ontario’s ecosystem and delivered insights needed to accelerate growth.

UCB Canada’s expansion is another strong example of an industry leader anchoring their global capabilities here in Ontario. Their investment will create highly skilled roles in Oakville and connect Ontario talent to globally important work. We’re proud to work with UCB Canada, providing best-in-class support companies need to move faster and succeed in the province.

Khawar Nasim

CEO of Invest Ontario

UCB Canada has a strong track record of collaborating with Ontario’s universities, hospitals and ecosystem partners, achieving meaningful outcomes in programs such as FASTRAX, a global digital health initiative focused on rheumatology. The company will continue to explore growth opportunities in Ontario to bring new solutions to Canadian patients.

Invest Ontario remains committed to partnering with global companies looking to grow and tap into the province’s world-class talent, research and innovation partners. By supporting investments like UCB Canada’s expansion, the Agency helps reinforce Ontario’s position as a leader in life sciences while creating meaningful jobs that contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.