From Christmas Tree Stands to Gardening Tools: Bolster Canada Expands
News Release
May 26, 2017 – Perth-Andover, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The economy of rural communities is strengthened each time a seasonal business transitions into a year-round operation. Bolster Canada Inc., a metal fabrication and coating factory, which produces unique Christmas tree stands known as "Santa's Solution", is expanding its operations to bring several new products to market thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments.
TJ Harvey, Member of Parliament for Tobique – Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick, joined Bolster Canada Inc. officials today for the announcement.
The project includes the purchase of an existing building, renovations and the acquisition and installation of additional equipment necessary to manufacture a gardening product line during the company’s off-season. Bolster Canada has also taken advantage of LearnSphere’s export development programs, including E-tools for Exporting™, which enables New Brunswick businesses to develop and integrate electronic tools to support export development. Bolster Canada has improved their e-commerce functionality and is strengthening their online presence to support the launch of a new product line in Canadian and U.S. markets.
The Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $247,500 through ACOA’s Business Development Program as well as a non-repayable contribution of $25,395 through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). The Government of New Brunswick is investing $126,332 in the project, while Bolster Canada is investing up to $345,000.
This project demonstrates the Government of Canada’s new approach to economic development through innovation. Over the next five years, all six regional development agencies, including ACOA, will invest a total of $1.5 billion to strengthen innovation capacity and economic growth in each region of the country. Part of these investments will go towards supporting regional businesses like Bolster Canada Inc., that are adopting new technologies to boost their innovation capacity and competitiveness.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada’s economic success depends in part on our businesses’ ability to continuously adapt to changing markets so they can remain competitive here in Canada and on the world stage. I am pleased that ACOA’s support for this project will enable Bolster Canada Inc. to grow and diversify its product offerings so it can extend its operating season year-round.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada understands that the long-term prosperity of many Canadian rural communities depends largely on small and medium-sized enterprises. That is why we are pleased to support projects like this one that is helping Bolster Canada Inc. expand into new markets, create more jobs and generate new economic growth for this region.”
TJ Harvey, MP for Tobique-Mactaquac
“Your government is focused on developing a supportive climate for businesses to grow and expand. The investment today not only creates 11 new jobs in rural New Brunswick, but supports the company’s growth plan while providing support to the manufacturing sector in New Brunswick. Your government is committed to supporting companies to grow their exports, increase their competitiveness and create jobs here at home.”
The Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick
“LearnSphere is excited to offer a range of export development solutions to small businesses like Bolster Canada, who have demonstrated that they are able to convert investment into growth and sales. We are pleased that our programs offer the kind of targeted learning and development that helps businesses prosper.”
Annette Comeau, CEO, LearnSphere
“This investment will help our company further expand markets for our brand of Uneak Products. We currently supply major retailers in Canada and the United States, including Home Depot, Canadian Tire, RONA/Lowes, Ace Hardware Home Hardware & Kent. Working with both levels of government and LearnSphere Canada is already producing positive results for Bolster Canada and we appreciate the support.”
Mike Bolster, President, Bolster Canada
Contacts
Lisa Gautreau
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565
Lisa.gautreau@canada.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Opportunities NB
506-476-7596
Mike Bolster
President
Bolster Canada Inc.
506-273-9492