January 20, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Local companies benefit from International WorkBoat Show and Conference

The 1999 International WorkBoat Show and Conference, held recently in New Orleans, Louisiana, was beneficial for seven provincial businesses which attended the prestigious event.

The provincial delegation was accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, and included Eastern Foundry Ltd. of Clarenville; C & W Industrial Fabrication and Marine of Bay Bulls; and St. John�s-based companies, Tides Marine Canada Inc., Sealand Marine Systems Inc., Miller Shipping Co. Ltd., Customs Systems Electronics Ltd., and Ocean Management & Trading Co. Ltd.

Held annually in New Orleans, the International WorkBoat Show and Conference is one of the premier commercial marine events, which brings together the world�s largest gathering of suppliers for the shallow draft industry, a specific component of the marine industry. This year�s event, held from December 1-3, 1999, had over 800 exhibitors and attracted buyers from more than 48 countries.

"The Department of Industry, Trade and Technology has been attending this event for several years and it has proven to be a great venue for local marine-based companies looking to make international contacts," said Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly. "In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have a strong marine supply industry with companies producing a wide range of world-class products and services, and I am very pleased to see these companies aggressively pursuing international markets."

One company which had great success at the event was Eastern Foundry Ltd. The company signed an agreement with Atlantic Marine Products Ltd. of Richmond, Virginia. Under the agreement, Eastern Foundry Ltd. will supply the company with die-cast anodes, which will be marketed under a private label name. Eastern Foundry Ltd. also completed a deal with Avondale Shipyard of Harvey, Louisiana, enabling the company to become a certified vendor for the shipyard. Only those companies listed as certified vendors are eligible to bid on tenders for work at the shipyard.

Doug Beatty, marketing manager for Eastern Foundry Ltd., said that he is actively pursuing new markets for the company�s products throughout Atlantic Canada and the United States, and has high praise for the International WorkBoat Show and Conference. "This event enabled our company to make international contacts which would otherwise be too costly to develop and pursue. At this year�s event, we signed deals which will not only expand our markets, but help our company to build a stronger reputation as a competent supplier in the international marine industry.

Another company which had success at the show was Tides Marine Canada Inc, which showcased a new carbon fibre rudder, a product that is still in the research and development stage. However, companies from around the world, including Holland, France and the United States, expressed an interest in the product.

"The great benefit of this event is that it brings buyers and suppliers from around the globe together in one place. We basically had the world at our doorstep and it was up to us to highlight our product and our company. I am confident that a number of new clients and new deals will result from attending this show," said Peter Raymond, vice president of Tides Marine Canada Inc.

The other companies attending the event all reported that they had made valuable contacts, and many are pursuing potential deals.

"Although many deals and contracts often take a few months, or even longer, to complete, the International WorkBoat Show and Conference is an ideal place to make the contacts necessary for obtaining new business," noted Minister Kelly. "It is important for local companies to have the opportunity to pursue new markets, and my department is committed to working with companies in the province to expand their exporting potential."

Media contact: Jacqueline Simon, Communications, (709) 729-0050.

2000 01 20                                                 11:20 a.m.