Acadian Seaplants Ltd. has received recognition from BioNova as the Good News Story of the Year.

The Dartmouth company, a global leader in the processing of seaweed-based products, received the award last night at BioNova’s annual Good News and Blues bash in Halifax. The party celebrates one good news story from the past year and features three bands made up of people from the life sciences community – one from Innovacorp, one from Dalhousie medical research, one from ACOA. Somehow, it works.

Acadia Seaplants, which exports products to more than 80 countries, won the nod for its recent acquisition of Arramara Teoranta, Ireland’s largest seaweed company, and the completion of its enhanced production facility in Cornwallis.

BioNova said that Acadian Seaplants announced in 2009 – when most companies were downsizing -- it would expand its Cornwallis plant to improve quality, boost productivity and increase exports. The grand opening of the Deveau Centre, which has improved production capacity by as much as 80 percent, takes place next week. 

“We're honoured to be receiving the good news story award,” President Jean-Paul Deveau said in a release.  “Everyone has been working hard these last few years and yes, we’ve taken risks, but with a global vision, excellent technologies, excellent products and a great team, those risks are paying off.”