December 15, 2004 Minto, New Brunswick A recycling company in Minto is introducing state-of-the- art technology to increase its recycling capacity and to create new and innovative rubber products at its tire recycling facility. Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corporation (TRACC) is introducing a new, state-of-the-art granulator known as a rasper - one of only two machines of its kind in Canada. The equipment is capable of processing larger truck tires and removing the wire for resale - a process that has been particularly challenging with the former equipment. The rasper will also help the company greatly reduce its stock pile of tires and turn them into value-added products. "TRACC is a great example of innovative thinking taking place in the recycling industry," said local MP, Hon. Andy Scott. "The company is doing excellent research and development to create other value-added products from these recycled tires. This is welcome news. I want to congratulate Mr. Leonard, Mr. Richardson and their staff for their hard work and success." Minister Scott, on behalf of the Hon. Joe McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency, has announced a repayable financial contribution of $310,000 under the Business Development Program, for the purchase of this state-of-the-art rasper. TRACC collects and processes more than 800,000 used passenger tires from around New Brunswick and grinds them into rubber crumb which is then recycled into useable product. Mr. Scott has visited the facility on three occasions. Most recently, he along with Grand Lake MLA Eugene McGinley met with TRACC officials in March to learn more about their expansion plans and priorities. These ideas were then shared with ACOA who worked with TRACC to make this project happen "There is only one other state-of-the-art granulator like this one in the country," explained John Leonard, owner of TRACC. "This granulator is going to allow us to crumb a greater volume of tires instead of having a large stockpile; crumb that we can sell to new value-added markets. We are very pleased with ACOA's support of this project. Some of the products being considered through TRACC's Research and Development analysis include rubber mats, imitation patio blocks, rubber/plastic roof shingles, noise suppression material and more. Currently, the company manufactures the rubber crumb into value-added products like their most successful product - the livestock mat. ACOA's Business Development Program was created to provide repayable financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises to establish, expand and modernize operations. "The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is a strong partner in regional economic development assisting companies such as TRACC in purchasing new equipment, enabling them to make new products and find new markets. It is important to sustain jobs and help our industries diversify and grow in Grand Lake region. It is encouraging to have such leading companies in the expanded riding of Fredericton." stated Mr. Scott. - 30 - For more information on ACOA's programs, visit our web site at: www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca. Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Stéphanie Bilodeau Communications Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - New Brunswick (506) 452-3304 Stephen Richardson Manager Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corporation (TRACC) (506) 327-4355
