Saint-Roch-de-l'Achigan, Quebec, July 17, 2008 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn. Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced $129,000 in funding, $39,990 of it in the form of a non-repayable contribution, for the startup of Motion Composites. This financial assistance will enable the young enterprise to continue the development, manufacture and commercialization of a completely new wheelchair.
The wheelchair's design began in 2004, when Éric Simoneau and David Gingras, the founders of Motion Composites, were working on creating an ultra-light wheelchair made with high performance composite materials. Their research led to the Hélio wheelchair, which weighs 40% less than its competitors. The Hélio's light weight enhances user autonomy and mobility. Canada Economic Development's support for this project will enable the startup enterprise to acquire production equipment and implement a first commercialization strategy.
When visiting the firm, Minister Blackburn commented that Motion Composites had built a wheelchair that was truly unique in the world. "A company's ability to innovate is a key factor in competitiveness. Commercialization of the new Hélio will revolutionize the physical rehabilitation segment and enable the enterprise to differentiate itself in the North American marketplace. In fact, it was to support innovating enterprises like Motion Composites that I recently announced a new program, Innovation Support, armed with a $32 million budget over three years," explained Minister Blackburn.
The wheelchair market represents 3.4 million users in Canada and the United States. In addition to creating 12 new jobs in its first year of operation, Motion Composites is projecting more than $5 million in sales within the next three years. Over 90% of these sales will be made outside Quebec.
"The Montcalm RCM is gaining an innovative, job-creating enterprise. In my opinion, Motion Composites will have a stimulating effect on the diversification of its economic base and on lasting employment growth. Canada Economic Development continues to encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of viable enterprises, with a view to regional development," stated Minister Blackburn.
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Sources:
Nathalie Lévesque
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-0306
Cell.: 514-966-0661
E-mail: nathalie.levesque@dec-ced.gc.ca
Pierre Miquelon
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: pierre.miquelon@dec-ced.gc.ca
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