Saint-Elzéar-de-Beauce, Quebec, May 24, 2007 − Acting on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today announced that the firm Escaliers Gilles Grenier Inc. will receive $155,750 in repayable funding from Canada's new government to pursue its continuous productivity improvement plan.
Founded in 1977, this enterprise manufactures conventional and architectural staircases merging hardwood with other materials such as steel, glass and wrought iron. In addition to offering an integrated production service, from the design to the installation of each staircase component, Escaliers Gilles Grenier also specializes in the bending of plywood for the furniture market. The firm, which has earned a reputation for the originality and quality of its products, was awarded the Consumers' Choice Award for 2007.
"This support reflects the commitment of Canada's new government to facilitate and foster the development of Quebec's small and medium-sized businesses and help them become more competitive. Within the framework of this planned process, Escaliers Gilles Grenier will now move forward with the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, the reconfiguration of its factory and the implementation of a production system that will enable it to identify and eliminate any efficiency losses along its production line," noted Minister Bernier.
"This funding from Canada Economic Development will allow us to follow through on our determination to further develop our export markets. To do that, we must simplify our production methods in order to become more efficient and better meet clients' needs, particularly those in the booming renovation sector," explained the firm's President, Gilles Grenier.
This project will raise the competitiveness of Escaliers Gilles Grenier, consolidate the firm's existing jobs and lead to the creation of four new positions. Other economic spin-offs will also be generated by the resulting increase in sales.
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Sources:
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Cell.: 418-580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@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
