Minister Blackburn approves $2 million in funding for Fournitures Funéraires Victoriaville Inc. (Vic Royal Division)

News Release

Victoriaville, Quebec, May 25, 2006 - While on tour of the Bois-Francs region
today, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, announced the awarding of $2 million in repayable funding to Fournitures Funéraires Victoriaville Inc. (FFV) for the implementation of automated manufacturing processes and introduction of new products to the North American market. The enterprise itself will invest $5 million in this major project, which is expected to consolidate 450 quality jobs in the region.
The project involves the development of automated processes for the manufacture of coffins intended for cremation. Using alternative materials developed with the technical assistance of National Research Council Canada (NRC) and support of the École québécoise du meuble et du bois ouvré (EQMBO-Entreprises), these new products will enable the enterprise to keep its prices competitive and maintain its market share in the face of growing U.S. and Asian competition.
This project is an excellent strategy for adjusting to the realities of the new international marketplace. Increased competition from countries breaking in to the sector and the changing needs of the industry demand that FFV invest in research and development and improve its productivity, in particular.
"This initiative will help the enterprise strengthen its already favourable position as North America's second largest manufacturer of wooden coffins. I wish to congratulate Mr. Alain Dumont and all of the members of his team for their dynamism, vision and determination to stand as a world-wide industry leader," stated Minister Blackburn.
Ranked one of Quebec's 500 largest companies by Commerce magazine, FFV is the number two employer in the Bois‑Francs region, its staff accounting for 35% of the active labour force in the milling sector. The enterprise is considered a crowning jewel of the region's economy.
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
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.qc.ca
Canada Economic Development is on line at www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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Minister Blackburn approves $2 million in funding for Fournitures Funéraires Victoriaville Inc. (Vic Royal Division)

News Release

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