Government Investments Support Innovation and Economic Development
News Release
Over $2 million in federal and provincial funding announced for Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. and Town of Grand Bank
August 4, 2017 – Grand Bank, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Government investments announced today are helping Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. expand its business and capitalize on international marketing opportunities. The Town of Grand Bank is also benefiting with funds to complete a downtown and waterfront development plan that will help enhance the town’s heritage assets and foster economic opportunities.
At an event in Grand Bank, the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced an investment of over $1.5 million for the two projects. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of more than $579,000 on behalf of the provincial government.
Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. is receiving a repayable contribution of $1.5 million through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) to manufacture and expand its fleet of rental inflatable air shelters, carry out international marketing activities and construct a 3,500 square foot facility expansion in Grand Bank. The expansion is part of the company’s plan to consolidate operations in one location to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation is providing an investment of $570,000 in the project.
Incorporated in 2004, Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. custom designs, engineers and manufactures lightweight, rapidly deployable textile shelters uniquely configured to meet customer’s needs. While the company’s flagship product is the blast resistant shelter, it manufactures shelters for four distinct markets: oil and gas, construction, emergency and first responder operations, and the promotional sector. Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. is headquartered in Calgary, AB with manufacturing facilities in Grand Bank and Fortune, NL and a sales office in Houston, Texas. The company employs almost 70 people, including over 50 employees at its Grand Bank facility.
Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. is one of 39 Atlantic Canadian firms that are currently participating in the Accelerated Growth Service. Launched in 2016 as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan, the initiative coordinates government support for high growth firms in areas such as financing solutions, advisory services, as well as export and innovation support from existing programming.
This project also builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
In addition, the Town of Grand Bank is receiving a non-repayable BDP investment of $28,219 from ACOA and $9,406 from the provincial government for consulting expertise to complete a comprehensive development plan that identifies ways to showcase the community’s key heritage assets and enhance the downtown core. The project involved a traffic flow assessment and the development of municipal branding, as well as completing a redevelopment plan for the downtown and waterfront areas.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada understands the importance of partnerships and collaboration in creating jobs, strengthening our communities and helping to grow a vibrant economy. That is why we are supporting these valuable projects and investing in high-growth companies like Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. to help them expand their business, seize opportunities and continue to be an important contributor to the regional economy.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA“Our government is committed to investing in local businesses and community initiatives that help drive economic growth, foster new opportunities and create jobs. We are pleased to invest in Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. and applaud them for their smart innovation and strong vison for growth. We are also delighted to support the Town of Grand Bank in its unwavering efforts to improve the community’s rich heritage assets and beautify the downtown core for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.”
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity“Dynamic Air Shelters is an innovative company that has had global success in a variety of sectors, supported by a talented workforce on the Burin Peninsula. It is one of the first firms to be selected for the Accelerated Growth program as part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which provides support from the federal and provincial governments for high growth firms. Our government is committed to working collaboratively with our partners to foster greater business innovation by supporting smaller firms to help grow, sustain and attract investment. Through the Cabinet Committee on Jobs, we are working with industry to stimulate new business activity and creating new private sector jobs to expand, cultivate and diversify the economy in our province.”
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Guided by The Way Forward, our government is committed to building a stronger economic foundation to promote a healthy and prosperous province. Through InnovateNL, the delivery of provincial innovation programs and services will be provided to clients in a seamless and more efficient manner, and will extend innovation programming province-wide. This investment into Dynamic Air Shelters is a great example of how our government is helping local companies undertake international business development activities, thereby enhancing trade, while growing and diversifying our economy.”
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“I am pleased our government is providing financial support to Dynamic Air Shelters as the company pursues means to grow the business, and in doing so, ensuring a secure future for its employees. Dynamic Air Shelters is a shining example of where we can go as we diversify our economy. I am also pleased we are supporting the Town of Grand Bank with its downtown and waterfront development plan. Such ventures are key to revitalizing our towns, and will undoubtedly contribute to their economic stability.”
Carol Anne Haley, MHA, District of Burin – Grand Bank“Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. is grateful for the continued support of ACOA and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. This funding will enable Dynamic to offer customers the option to rent versus buying as well as allow us to better serve existing customers in the North American market and new customers in the global market. Expanding the Hickman Street factory will help consolidate the Newfoundland operation in one area, reduce operating costs and improve employee interaction and engagement. We thank both levels of government for their continued support as we take our products to global markets and provide stable, long-term employment for our employees in Grand Bank.”
Kay Riggs, Vice-President of Operations, Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd.“The Town of Grand Bank is pleased to receive funding from the federal government, through ACOA, to undertake a study of the downtown and waterfront areas for potential redevelopment purposes. The restoration of this historic and cultural part of our community would enhance economic opportunities, strengthen community pride, and bring residents and visitors together in a beautiful, environmentally friendly area. The Town fully supports this initiative and will work cooperatively to make the redevelopment a reality.”
Rex Matthews, Mayor, Town of Grand Bank
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Kay Riggs
Vice-President, Operations
Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd.
709-832-1211
kayr@dynamicairshelters.com
Wayne Bolt
Town Manager
Town of Grand Bank
709-832-1600
wayne.bolt@townofgrandbank.net