Matane, Quebec, November 10, 2009 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $750,000 in repayable funding to Bois BSL Inc. to bolster the capacity of its Matane and Mont-Joli facilities to produce wood energy logs in order to meet growing customer demand. The company is also looking to raise the productivity and finish capability of its hardwood-flooring plant in Mont-Joli. By implementing the various aspects of this project, this SME intends to improve its profitability and pursue its growth.
This government assistance has been awarded through Canada Economic Development’s Community Economic Diversification Initiative–Vitality. Completion of this project will result in the creation of 25 new jobs and the maintenance of 45 positions in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
“This Bas-Saint-Laurent enterprise’s ongoing focus has been to develop value-added wood products. Our financial support will enable it to consolidate its position as a leader in the forest industry while continuing to take a very active part in the socioeconomic development of the Mitis and Matane Regional County Municipalities (RCMs),” said the Minister of State. “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the forestry and its diversification efforts. Several initiatives are included in Canada’s Economic Action Plan to that effect. Among them is a measure to provide $170 million to help the forest sector develop innovative products and gain a stronger foothold in foreign markets. Another, the $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund is fostering job creation, particularly in forest-dependent communities. That is how the Government of Canada is working to ensure the long-term survival of the forest industry,” Mr. Lebel concluded.
The largest manufacturer and employer in value-added wood processing in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Bois BSL Inc. will acquire a biomass dryer for forest residues. This new piece of equipment will increase the supply capacity of the energy log production lines at its two plants, in Matane and Mont-Joli. The company will also acquire a hardwood-floor finishing line for its Mont-Joli flooring plant. This leading-edge equipment will maximize Bois BSL’s responsiveness to the energy log and hardwood floor markets.
As a result, Bois BSL will enhance its product line, gain access to new markets and help promote diversification of the regional economic fabric.
For more on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, see www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Sources:
Claudie Lamontagne
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-722-3280 or 1-800-463-9073
E-mail: claudie.lamontagne@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
