New value-added seafood production facility in Scoudouc Industrial Park
August 13, 2014 – Scoudouc, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Knocean Foods Ltd., a value-added food processing company, welcomed news today of a combined investment from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for equipment purchases for their newly built processing facility, which will result in export sales and the creation of up to 25 new new jobs for the region.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Bruce Fitch, Minister of Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Invest NB made the announcement today.
This project involved the construction of a 22,977 square foot facility in the Scoudouc Industrial Park and the purchase of production equipment.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, and Invest NB both invested $500,000 in the form of repayable loans in this project. Invest NB also provided a $225,000 payroll rebate over 6 years for the creation and maintenance of 25 positions. The investment is expected to add $2.75 million to New Brunswick’s gross domestic product once all 25 jobs have been created.
Quick Facts:
- New Brunswick’s fish and seafood sector is a vital component of the province’s social and economic fabric. More than 7,000 New Brunswickers are employed in the province’s world-class fish and seafood industry, which was responsible for an average of 21.3 percent of Canada’s fish and seafood exports to the world between 2010 and 2012.
- With one in five Canadian jobs linked to exports, the Government of Canada recognizes the important role that opening new markets plays in Canada’s long-term prosperity. That is why it has prioritized initiatives such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement – so that leading exporters can continue to grow and fuel the region’s prosperity for many years to come.
Quotes:
“Our Government understands the importance of investing in core industries in order to create jobs and economic growth in the region. Our repayable contribution allowed Knocean to construct a brand new facility and purchase the equipment necessary to take their operation to the next level.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Province of New Brunswick is pleased to invest in Knocean Foods. The construction of a new processing plant and the creation of 25 new jobs in the value added seafood sector will benefit Scoudouc and surrounding communities.”
- The Honourable Bruce Fitch, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible
for Invest NB
“Knocean Foods Ltd. appreciates the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick in this project. With their support, we can be competitive, which allows us to establish ourselves in the global market.”
- Étienne Dodier, President, Knocean Foods Ltd.
Associated Links:
• www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
• www.actionplan.gc.ca
• http://www.investnb.ca
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Ted Parisé
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3917
Nora Lacey
Director of Research, Marketing & Communications
Invest NB
506-453-6262
Étienne Dodier
President
Knocean Foods Ltd.
506-533-0181
