Alma, Quebec, April 2, 2007 The
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, today announced that the firm
Usinage numérique H.B. Inc. has recently been awarded $75,000 in
non-repayable funding for the acquisition of digitally-controlled machining
equipment.
This investment from Canada's new government has made it possible for
the fledgling Dolbeau-Mistassini enterprise to launch an expansion phase and
take its place as a true centre of expertise in the northern Lac-Saint-Jean
area. This project will help promote the growth of equipment manufacturers in
the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Maria-Chapdelaine in that it allows
them to use the services of Usinage numérique H.B. Inc.the only firm in
the area offering this technologyrather than having to rely on outside
suppliers for the small- and large-scale mass production of certain complex
parts and components.
"Canada's new government sees this project as one of strategic
importance in light of the many spin-offs it promises in the areas of job
creation, innovation, competitiveness, investment, expertise and influence in a
competitive marketplace. Usinage numérique H.B.'s mastery of
state-of-the-art equipment is a boon not only for its clients, but for the
entire SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean manufacturing sector as well. The
company's expertise will enable it to develop new products and break into
new markets," stated Minister Blackburn.
"Carrying out a project like this one is essential to our ability to protect
the exclusivity of our manufacturing contracts and increase our production
capabilities. This funding from Canada Economic Development is an
exceptional springboard that will open the way to innovation and the
diversification of our products, while fostering the establishment and retention
in the region of the kind of skilled labour that is difficult to find and
important to keep," explained Usinage numérique H.B. General Manager
Hermel Bujold.
Usinage numérique H.B. Inc. specializes in the machining of
high-precision plastic and metal parts using digitally-controlled equipment. Its
diverse range of hydraulic and mechanical products serve manufacturing firms in
the forestry, mining, paper, food and transport industries. Within the next
three years, the enterprise plans to add another shift to its production
schedule, thereby creating two new full-time jobs.
-30-
Sources:
Nadia MarceauCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 418-668-4602 or 1-800-463-9808E-mail: nadia.marceau@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jean-Pierre
BlackburnCanada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646Cell.: 613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
