August 30, 2010 – MDS Nordion is pleased to report that our production facilities are fully operational for the processing of medical isotopes from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

In its final NRU status report, AECL reported that the NRU reactor has resumed full production of medical isotopes. We continue to work closely with AECL and our customers to provide product to radiopharmaceutical manufacturers so they can supply their customers as timely as possible.

MDS Nordion’s return to production represents the culmination of 15 months of hard work and preparation, during which we:

• Completed extensive maintenance activities in our key processing facilities, rather than laying off skilled workers.
  
  
• Examined our facilities and made significant investments including upgrading and replacing items that would have been very challenging and difficult to perform under regular circumstances.
  
  
• Developed re-training programs in order for Nordion to be ready and able to operate to support patients worldwide.
  
  
• Introduced our new, enhanced fleet of specialized shipping containers. The new containers, expected to be in service for the next 20 years, demonstrate our long-term investment in medical isotopes.
  
  

Consult the videos below for more information on the steps MDS Nordion has taken to prepare for the return to service.