Investments will enhance company productivity
April 24, 2014 - Saint-Quentin, N.B. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Groupe Savoie is improving its productivity with new state-of-the-art equipment and skills training for its staff thanks to investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Madawaska-Restigouche, and Martine Coulombe, MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée, representing Paul Robichaud, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, joined officials from Groupe Savoie today to make the announcement.
The project includes the purchase of a 30-inch horizontal optimized edger system for its pallet plant. This high tech equipment will enhance the plant's productivity by maximizing wood fibre usage. In addition, a training project will help Groupe Savoie contract the services of the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) to develop a customized industrial electricity program.
The Government of Canada is providing a $461,500 repayable contribution through ACOA's Business Development Program for the upgrading project and an additional $50,000 through the Business Skills Development Program for the training project. The Province of New Brunswick is contributing $245,000 to the upgrading project. The company has invested $268,750 in both projects.
Quick Facts
•Groupe Savoie was founded in 1978 when Jean-Claude Savoie acquired two wood processing plants (Hardwood Industries and Omer Thériault & Fils) on Five Fingers Road in Saint-Quentin.
•Groupe Savoie operates a plant complex in Saint-Quentin, along with plants in Kedgwick N.B., Moncton, N.B. and Westville, N.S.
•The company exports 15% of its total production to Europe and the United States, and sells 85% of its production on the Canadian market.
•Groupe Savoie has been ISO 9002 certified since 1996 and employs over 500 people.
Quotes
“Our Government's support will help Groupe Savoie upgrade its operations and train its employees in order to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry. In the last 30 years, Groupe Savoie has become a leader in hardwood processing and a key player in New Brunswick's forestry industry. Today's investment will allow the company to integrate state-of-the-art technology into its operations to improve its productivity and efficiency.”
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Madawaska-Restigouche
“Our investment in Groupe Savoie is an important part of our plan to create jobs and opportunities in our communities, including Saint-Quentin. Making production and product quality improvements are important investments to ensure the viability of Groupe Savoie, one of the region’s top employers.”
- Martine Coulombe, MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée on behalf of Honorable Paul Robichaud, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“The projects announced today will enable us to significantly reduce production waste thanks to new technologies. It is important to acknowledge the support of the federal government in these projects and the contribution of the provincial government with its proactive approach to forestry. This collaboration with our governments allows our company to remain competitive.”
- Jean-Claude Savoie, President of Groupe Savoie Inc
Associated Links
• www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
• http://actionplan.gc.ca/
• http://www.groupesavoie.ca/
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA), the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Ted Parisé
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3917
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Economic Development
506-453-8607
Alain Bossé
President and Chief Operating Officer
Groupe Savoie
506-235-1055
