Backgrounder: Four Estrie businesses carry out expansion projects

Repayable contribution of $200,000 out of a total investment of $1,805,000

The project consisted in ensuring the company’s expansion and improved productivity through the acquisition of equipment for the production and packaging of capsules, the conversion of a new building into a warehouse and the fit-up of new production rooms in the plant. CED’s contribution went toward the acquisition of the capsule packaging equipment.

Founded in 1989, Façoteck is an innovative business that develops and manufactures natural health products, cosmetics (creams and soaps) and pharmaceuticals, as a subcontractor. This project is expected to create 7 jobs in the region, in addition to the 40 existing jobs.

Repayable contribution of $100,000 out of a total investment of $200,000

The project consists in improving the business’s productivity and production capacity through the acquisition of equipment. CED’s contribution will go toward all project activities, including the purchase and installation of equipment such as an embroidery machine and semi-automatic machines for affixing belt loops and cargo pockets.

Confections Troy has been a Canadian pants manufacturer since 1945. It manufactures made-to-measure pants for police officers and firefighters, pants and Bermuda shorts for school uniforms and many other types of work pants, including protective trousers. The company provides custom designs and solutions, ensuring that the pants are comfortable, easy to maintain and durable. The business has 42 employees.

Repayable contribution of $50,000 out of a total investment of $535,000

The project consists in improving the business’s productivity and production capacity through the purchase and installation of a digital textile printer. CED’s assistance will help the SME acquire a greener digital printer that uses 96% water-based ink. Moreover, this technology eliminates waste because printing errors will be quickly detected (after two or three t-shirts) and, since the ink is water-based, the t-shirts can be cleaned and reprinted. With the new technology, the company can produce small batches more quickly, resulting in greater productivity and thus fostering business growth.

Created in 1981, the company started out as a clothing manufacturer and adjusted to market demand by adding promotional items to its product line (late 1990s) and ceasing its sewing activities (2002). It now has 28 employees and focuses mainly on products and services related to business visibility. Its main production activities include embroidery, silkscreen printing and infographics, and its product line includes promotional items, corporate clothing and digital printing on such items as posters, banners and vehicles.

Repayable contribution of $40,000 out of a total investment of $90,000

The project involves expanding the company by increasing its ripening capacity to meet growing demand for its products, and improving productivity by refitting the manufacturing rooms. CED’s contribution will go toward the addition of a meat aging room, the acquisition of a refrigeration cell, space fit-ups and the installation of electrical and refrigeration components and other elements needed to upgrade the manufacturing process.

This SME started out as a family business and has developed a broad line of craft deli meats over the past 20 years. The company employs seven people and specializes in dried deli meats (e.g. dried sausage), cooked products (e.g. ham and terrine) and raw products (e.g. sausage). It distributes its products in gourmet grocery stores, butcher shops and cheese shops, as well as in restaurants through a distributor for that market. The enterprise has provincial certification, serving geographic markets in the Estrie and Montréal regions.