Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has marked 65 years of manufacturing in Canaan, Connecticut, the birthplace of the world's first fully sterile, single-use disposable plastic syringe and the largest syringe manufacturing operation in the United States.

The site opened in 1961 with eight employees and about 10 million syringes a year. Today, more than 500 employees at the 385,000-square-foot facility produce more than 2 billion annually, supporting care from routine vaccinations to smallpox eradication, H1N1 vaccination programs and the COVID-19 response.

The BD Syringe's invention at the site helped replace reusable glass syringes, reducing the risk of patient-to-patient disease transmission. "The BD® Syringe was invented here in Canaan as a breakthrough in patient safety and has become an essential part of care around the world, touching 80 patients every second," said Eric Borin, worldwide president, Medication Delivery Solutions at BD. "For 65 years, generations of employees have continued to improve how we manufacture while delivering the quality and precision clinicians count on. This milestone is a testament to their dedication and the difference their work makes for patients every day."

BD has invested more than $34 million in the site over the past five years, adding three new syringe manufacturing lines and equipment upgrades that strengthen supply assurance.

Gov. Ned Lamont pointed to the facility's role in Connecticut's manufacturing economy. "Connecticut has a proud history of turning innovation into products that improve people's lives, and BD's Canaan facility is a powerful example. For 65 years, this site has supported good jobs, strengthened our manufacturing economy and produced medical devices used in patient care around the world. BD's continued investment in Canaan demonstrates the strength of Connecticut's workforce and the important role our state plays in manufacturing essential healthcare products."

More than 50 employees have at least 25 years of service. BD will also announce a $10,000 grant to the Community Health & Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving northwestern Connecticut, bringing its support since 2024 to $90,000 for nutrition programs, emergency assistance and transportation.

State legislators highlighted the site's contribution to northwestern Connecticut. "BD has been an important part of northwestern Connecticut for 65 years, providing local jobs while manufacturing a product that supports patient care around the world," said State Representative Maria Horn and State Senator Stephen Harding in a joint statement. "The Canaan facility shows how advanced manufacturing can create meaningful opportunities in our communities while making a difference far beyond our state. We congratulate the employees who have made this milestone possible and welcome BD's continued investment in the region."