June 24, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Sunroom manufacturing facility opening in Clarenville

Three men have started a business to manufacture patio sun rooms in Clarenville. Rod Bowring, Bob Frampton and John Murphy are joint owners of Sun-Co Sunrooms and Patio Covers Ltd. The company has received $10,000 from the Department of Development and Rural Renewal to help them establish a manufacturing facility and market their new product.

Rod Bowring and Bob Frampton spent the last two years working in the interior of British Columbia adding patio sunrooms to residential homes. "We decided that if our acrylic and aluminum sunrooms could withstand heavy BC snowfalls, they would certainly work here," says co-owner John Murphy.

Typically, Sun-Co Sunrooms turns decks or patios on the sides of homes into covered sunrooms that can be used in all but the coldest weather. John Murphy say the materials are so flexible they can build any size or shape solarium on to a home or cabin with ease. "Our product will allow you to enjoy the beauty of all the seasons within the natural setting of your home," he says.

"The acrylic retains heat, can take a lot of abuse and is half the price of glass," says Murphy. The new company will market its products throughout Newfoundland. Public interest in the new product at trade shows has been high and the company already has orders in hand.

"We frequently hear about Newfoundlanders leaving the province but we hear less about those who are returning," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal.

"This is a good example of what can happen when Newfoundlanders return with new knowledge and ideas. This business illustrates how technology transfer can benefit Newfoundlanders, and it's an illustration of how manufacturing can diversify the economy of rural Newfoundland. Sun-Co Sunrooms will create two jobs for returning Newfoundlanders and create employment for three local residents," said Minister Tulk.

Contact:     Clifford Grinling, Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-7066.

                  John Murphy, Sun-Co Sunrooms, (709) 466-7786.

1998 06 24                      4:05 p.m