Magog, Quebec, May 24, 2006 - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of a $2 million repayable contribution to Gurit (Canada) Inc. for the establishment of a manufacturing centre to serve the North American wind turbine blade market. The project, which will require nearly $13 million in overall investments, is expected to result in the creation of 182 jobs at the Magog factory.
Gurit (Canada) Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of composite materials for use in the boating, wind energy and automotive industries, including Core Cell® foam. This project will enable the enterprise to open up two new production lines for pre-impregnated and "Sprint" products. Originally developed for the boating industry, the materials manufactured by Gurit at its Magog plant are now used in the production of wind turbine blades.
"Like its Quebec partners, Canada Economic Development is extremely happy to have played a role in creating the kind of conditions that persuaded Gurit (Canada)'s parent company in England to set up its new production lines in Magog rather than in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, particularly when Johnstown is the home of its largest American client," stated Minister Blackburn.
The world wind energy industry shows excellent growth prospects for the next few years. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the global wind energy market is expected to grow an average of 18% per year between now and the year 2010, and as much as 24% in the United States alone.
"The increased production capacity of the Gurit plant in Magog is excellent news for the economic diversification and job market recovery of the MRC de Memphrémagog. This decision will help consolidate the region's position as a new materials and composites hub of development and ensure the implementation of strategic industrial activities in a promising growth sector for Quebec and Canada. Canada Economic Development intends to pursue its efforts to help revitalize the economic fabric of the region, which has suffered numerous manufacturing job losses since 2003," the Minister concluded.
Canada Economic Development's mandate is to promote the economic development of the regions of Quebec. Primarily through financial assistance programs, the Agency elicits and supports the implementation of economic development projects.
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Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Mauricie/Centre-du-Québec/Estrie
Tel.: 819 371-5138
Tel.: 1 800 567-8637 (toll-free)
E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819 953-5646
Cell.: 613 816-5094
E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Canada Economic Development is on line at www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
