Thetford Mines, Quebec, June 28, 2006 - At the request of his colleague, Member of Parliament Christian Paradis, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, met with the management team of Granirex while on visit to the region today to discuss the possible expansion of this quartz tile and slab manufacturing plant.
After touring the facilities, the Minister said he was impressed by the high level of knowledge, skill and expertise of Granirex's employees and the quality of its products. "What I have seen today has further convinced me of this enterprise's role as a major regional asset," stated Minister Blackburn. "That is why it is essential for the Agency I head to reaffirm its support of the management team in place."
Christian Paradis, for his part, reiterated his support for the enterprise and noted that he is closely following the progress of this key project for the region.
Granirex's parent company, E.I. du Pont, is currently evaluating various sites, including that of Thetford Mines, for the construction of a new plant. While the decision will ultimately be made by E.I. du Pont, Minister Blackburn said he feels Canada Economic Development has a duty to show its support to Granirex, an enterprise that has succeeded in developing a regional expertise unique in Canada.
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Source:
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.
