The governments of Quebec and Canada have awarded a total of $8 million in financial assistance to Uniboard Canada, an engineered wood product manufacturer. The company will now be able to carry out a $17 million project to continue optimizing the production equipment in its Sayabec particleboard plant in Bas-Saint-Laurent by installing a second new generation lamination press to increase its production capacity by 20%.

“Uniboard Canada plays a key role in the economic and social vitality of the Municipality of Sayabec and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, generating hundreds of important jobs here and furthering growth in the forest industry in Bas-Saint-Laurent and across the province. The government support announced today will help the business continue to innovate by producing the most comprehensive laminated panel line in North America and increasing its production capacity. This will help the company maintain an edge in an increasingly competitive global market.”

Jean D’Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

“This project will build up the forestry cluster and the economies of Matapédia and the entire region. In addition to strengthening the other enterprises in the forestry value chain, this major investment will help Uniboard Canada make its Sayabec plant more competitive and support its growth on the Canadian and U.S. markets. I am very proud of this contribution from our government to regional economic development.”

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

“The forest industry is contributing to the economic growth of Quebec and can rely on dynamic enterprises like Uniboard Canada to further its prosperity. I am proud of the Quebec and Canadian governments’ commitment to support the growth of our businesses. This is a prime example of how important it is for levels of government to work together in developing the forest industry.”

Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region

“Our enterprises have to build on innovation to succeed in a competitive global economy. This is a reality that affects all industry sectors, including forestry, and resonates strongly with our government. That is why we have planned the required financial tools and levers to help Quebec businesses modernize and create innovative products.”

Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses that build on innovation. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success in that it generates growth that benefits businesses and communities. By supporting Uniboard Canada’s project, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to stimulate business development, innovation and exports.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

• Uniboard Canada employs 861 people in its five Quebec plants located in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Laurentides and Laval.

• The goal of the ESSOR program (website in French only) is to support investment projects in Quebec to enhance competitiveness and productivity, create jobs and ensure sustainable development.

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

• For more information on CED’s key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

• Véronique Michaud
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region
  Tel.: 418-691-5650
  
• Gabrielle Fallu
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
  Tel.: 418-691-5650

Information

• Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
  Media Relations Officer, Communications Directorate
  Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science  et de l’Innovation
  Tel.: 418-691-5698, extension 4868
  Cell.: 418-559-0710
  
• Media Relations
  Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
  Tel.: 514-283-7443
  Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca

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