Island Company Offers the Whole Package
News Release
Family business has long history supporting growing agriculture and aquaculture sectors
July 20, 2017 – Central Bedeque, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Since 1935, when three Island entrepreneurs established a jute bag operation to accommodate a growing potato market, PEI Bag Co. Ltd. has been providing food producers with attractive and practical packaging options. The Government of Canada is working with rural-based businesses in Atlantic Canada such as this one to build on the region’s traditional strengths, support sustainable growth, and help create new business opportunities for all.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced federal support for PEI Bag Co. Ltd. for the expansion and modernization of its packaging process.
Through its Business Development Program (BDP), ACOA is providing a repayable contribution of $200,000 to PEI Bag Co. Ltd. to purchase a bag manufacturing machine. The new equipment will allow the company to increase output and improve the quality of its mesh bag products.
PEI Bag Co. Ltd., which has expanded into markets for other agriculture and aquaculture goods, as well as the construction industry, reaches customers across Canada and internationally. The Central Bedeque-based business maintains nearly 40 full-time positions, and remains under the ownership of descendants of the founding partners.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to see well-established food processing and advanced manufacturing businesses in Atlantic Canada continue to innovate and adapt to growing markets. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, support for these rural-based companies is strengthening local economies, creating sustainable jobs and increasing export opportunities.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
“PEI Bag Co. has a great history in our Island agricultural and manufacturing industries. From creating the iconic jute potato bags we all know to developing modern packaging options for food and construction sectors, the company has always been forward thinking, yet deeply rooted in its community. I am glad to see Government of Canada support for this important Island employer.”
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“This ACOA investment in a new bag manufacturing machine is really an investment in our employees. The new machine operated by highly skilled employees will allow us to improve the quality of our product, increase our productivity, and provide opportunities to compete in new markets both in central Canada and the US marketplace.”
Thane Smallwood, General Manager, PEI Bag Co. Ltd.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Thane Smallwood
General Manager
PEI Bag Co. Ltd.
902-888-2926