Thanks to investments from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick, Léon Chouinard et Fils Ltd. will be able to establish a new open‑joist flooring and beam factory in Eel River Crossing.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, and the Honourable Donald Arseneault, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister Responsible for Efficiency NB, Minister Responsible for Official Languages and MLA for Campbellton‑Dalhousie, joined Léon Chouinard et Fils Ltd. representatives today to make the announcement.
The project, which involves the establishment of a new open‑joist flooring and beam factory in Eel River Crossing, will allow the company to produce its own open‑joist floor systems and beams, rather than importing them. This will create new jobs in this rural area and increase the company’s productivity by giving it more control over its production costs.
The Government of Canada is supporting this project with a $500,000 repayable contribution from ACOA’s Business Development Program. The Province of New Brunswick is making a $260,000 contribution through its Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund. The company itself is investing $240,000 in the project.
Quick facts
- Léon Chouinard et Fils Ltd. was established in 1977 by Léon Chouinard and his son, Jean‑Pierre.
- The family business manufactures roof trusses, prefabricated wall panels, pre‑assembled floor systems and baby barns.
- Léon Chouinard et Fils’ primary market is New Brunswick, the Gaspé Peninsula and the Lower Saint Lawrence. Sixty five percent (65%) of its total production is sold outside the Atlantic Provinces.
- The company employs up to 69 full-time employees during its busiest period.
Quotes
“The Government’s support will help Léon Chouinard et Fils develop its business while increasing its productivity and efficiency. This project, which strengthens the region’s industrial sector, will create jobs and stimulate growth in this rural New Brunswick company and, as a result, further boost our region’s economy.”
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche
“With this investment, our government supports the important creation of jobs in the Restigouche region, and especially for the manufacturing industry. We support the workers of this important industry as they strive to build a better life for their families and their communities.”
- The Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund
"Over the years, Leon Chouinard et Fils has continuously invested and focussed on continuous improvement processes to meet the needs of its customers. This project will create many new jobs and will enable us to have a more complete range of products and have better control over the quality and the delivery to our customers without having to rely on another manufacturer. It is important to acknowledge the support of the federal and provincial governments for this project. The collaboration with our governments allow our company to remain competitive.”
- Gilles Chouinard, President of Léon Chouinard et Fils Ltd.
Associated links
ACOA
Canada’s Economic Action Plan
LeonChouinard.com
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
506-260-7020
Elaine Bell
Communications Director
Economic Development / Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
506-453-8607
Gilles Chouinard
President
Léon Chouinard et Fils Ltd.
506-826-2154
