Nackawic Micro-brewery is Helping to Fuel Local Economy
News release
December 7, 2018 – Nackawic, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Supporting businesses in rural communities helps create opportunities for business growth and well-paid jobs for the middle class and those working to join it. That is why the Government of Canada has supported Big Axe Brewery with an expansion of its operations, enabling the brewery to export to other provinces and into the Eastern United States. This project helped the company meet growing demand for its product and created three new jobs in Nackawic, NB.
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), along with Big Axe Brewery owner Peter Cole, made the announcement today.
The Government of Canada provided a repayable contribution of $416,000 towards the purchase of equipment and new installations. Specifically, the company moved from a one-barrel brewing system to a 20-barrel system with its own bottling line. An additional investment of $37,500 supported the hiring of a business operations manager. The funds for both projects were provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
This project builds on the federal and provincial governments’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This includes providing strategic support to key sectors such as food/beverage and tourism, and supporting business and economic development activities that promote sustainable growth for rural communities throughout the region.
Quotes
“Through ACOA, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments that spur economic growth across the region by helping businesses in rural communities build on their strengths and capitalize on opportunities. This project supports the growth of a business launched in a rural community, working hard to meet growing demand for its product, while simultaneously creating jobs and fueling the local economy.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“I’m pleased to see our government’s support for Big Axe Brewery, which is now poised to help grow our region’s reputation for excellent local products as it expands and increases exports. Just as importantly, this expansion will also allow Big Axe to continue contributing to Nackawic and the regional economy, creating jobs and bringing expertise in micro-brewing into the area.’’
- TJ Harvey, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac
“We’re very pleased that the great working relationship we have with ACOA has allowed us to move forward with our expansion. Not only have we been able to move toward our goals, but with our local first approach, other local companies have benefited as well, with Riverbend Log Homes building our facilities, and the use of local contractors. We believe in this community and can see the great opportunities it provides. We look forward to future success and growth for the Brewery and Nackawic.’’
-Peter Cole, Owner, Big Axe Brewery
Contacts
Jennifer Houle
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-261-5534
Robert Kitchen
Marketing & Operations Manager
Big Axe Brewery
506-575-1093