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Saguenay, Quebec, April 4, 2007 The
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $95,000
in non-repayable funding to Charl-Pol Saguenay Inc. for, among other
things, the implementation of an integrated computerized management system.
This project, which also involves the acquisition of various communications
and marketing tools, constitutes the first phase of a wide-scale investment
program aimed at improving the firm's productivity and cost-effectiveness.
"Small and medium-sized enterprises are at the very heart of the Canadian
economy, and the invaluable contribution they make to our growth justifies the
support they are given by Canada's new government. At the end of this
project, which will help promote the economic diversification of the
La Baie borough while ensuring the maintenance of some 160 jobs,
Charl-Pol Saguenay Inc. will be in a better position to land contracts
both here and abroad and to pursue its growth," stated
Minister Blackburn.
"Today's announcement confirms once more that SMEs are a key driving
force of our economic vitality. That is why the 2007 budget tabled last month
proposes a series of initiatives aimed at eliminating some of the barriers and
helping Quebec and Canadian small and medium-sized businesses ensure their
growth," the Minister added.
"The completion of this project will translate into a bettering structuring
of the work and more efficient day-to-day management of our enterprise, which
can consequently lead to gains in time and productivity. There is no doubt that
this contribution from Canada Economic Development will enable us to
stimulate our activities and improve our competitive standing," noted
Charl-Pol Saguenay shareholders Gilles Leroux
and Richard Tremblay.
Charl-Pol Saguenay Inc. specializes in the manufacture of
mechanical welded parts, including smelting vats, conveyors and tanks. The
company also offers services for the drafting, engineering and design of
mechanical, hydraulic and electric equipment, and outsources some of its work to
several workshops in the region.
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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