Helping Ironworks Distillery Expand and Modernize Production
News Release
Funding supports growth and efficiency of craft distiller in Lunenburg
January 17, 2018 – Lunenburg, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Helping innovative small and medium sized enterprises grow their business and enter into new markets is critical to enhancing Atlantic Canada’s economic success. This is why the Government of Canada is investing $159,748 in Ironworks Distillery Inc. to help the rural Nova Scotia micro-distillery expand and modernize its production facility to meet growing demand for its products.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Bernadette Jordon, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets also took part in the event.
Ironworks will use the repayable contribution to install a water and heat recycling system that nearly eliminates the need for water in the production process. The funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises.
Today’s investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a plan to build a vibrant future for Atlantic Canada by supporting new opportunities for economic growth.
Quotes
“Our government knows that business success in Atlantic Canada requires innovation, modernization and increased efficiency. The expansion of companies like Ironworks Distillery are helping to grow the region’s economy and create more and better-paying jobs. This, in turn, will bring greater prosperity for Canada’s middle class and those seeking to join it.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This expansion project will enable Ironworks to increase sales, grow revenue, and put more people to work in rural Nova Scotia. These operational efficiency measures prove once again that a clean environment and a growing economy can go hand in hand.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Ironworks Distillery is rapidly creating a name for itself at home and internationally as a boutique distiller to watch. This expansion and modernization project will enable Ironworks to scale-up its operations to meet growing demand for its products outside of Nova Scotia.”
- Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets
"We are truly looking forward to breaking ground this spring on the extension to our existing building. The additional space will give us more room for increased production and for the equipment we are developing to increase our water and heat recycling capabilities. Equally exciting for us will be the chance to expand our presentation of truly unique experiences for visitors to our beautiful province, showcasing our own work in the world of local distilling, and also include future partnerships with local culinary and heritage experts.”
- Lynne MacKay, Co-owner and President, Ironworks Distillery
Quick Facts
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Ironworks Distillery Inc. creates premium, hand-made spirits in small batches using local Nova Scotia ingredients.
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The craft distiller has won more than twenty international awards for its artisan spirits.
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The company is housed in a heritage building that was a marine blacksmith shop for 120 years. Elements of the building’s character have been preserved to add to the unique culinary tourism experience it provides.
Contacts
Lynne MacKay
Director, Ironworks Distillery Inc.
Phone: 902-640-2424 / 902-523-1865 (cell)
Email: crafted@ironworksdistillery.com
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca