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NLIS 5 September 10, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Renovated industrial park attracts manufacturing company to Trepassey During a news conference in Trepassey today, Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, announced a total of $1.7 million in funding to further develop Trepassey�s industrial park. Hygenitek Inc., a specialized manufacturer of dental hygiene products, will establish a manufacturing facility at the site, initially creating 38 jobs. Of the total funding, $640,128 is being provided through the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement (CEDA) and $500,000 is through ACOA�s non-commercial Business Development Program for Trepassey Management Corporation to develop the site. This not-for profit corporation, which was established to promote investment and economic development in Trepassey, is contributing $100,000 towards the industrial park development. These funds will be used to convert a portion of the site of the town�s former fish plant into an industrial park, including a major site cleanup and the construction of a modular 11,200 square foot building to accommodate the manufacturing and administrative operations of Hygenitek Inc. In addition to its approximate $1 million in research and development investment, Hygenitek will be investing $240,000 to start up its operation in Trepassey. The Canada - Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement will provide $12,924 under the Targeted Wage Subsidy, one of the Employment Benefits and Support Measures available; the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development will provide $75,000 from its business development programs; the company is receiving a $500,000 loan through ACOA�s Business Development Program; in addition, the Southern Shore-St. Mary�s Bay Community Development Corporation is providing a $250,000 loan. The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development has also designated Hygenitek as an EDGE (Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises) company, making it one of the first companies to be granted "double-EDGE" status since the EDGE legislation was enhanced to provide additional benefits for companies that establish or expand outside the Northeast Avalon area. "ACOA supports initiatives that help build the economies of our rural communities. This project will enable Trepassey to diversify its economy and create new opportunities in the growing manufacturing industry," said Minister Byrne. "In addition to direct job creation, many indirect jobs and other economic spin-offs will be created through this initiative." Hygenitek Inc., an Ontario-based company established in 1999, will manufacture in Trepassey a line of unique dental purification products, as well as a line of antibacterial rinsing and cleaning solutions for international markets. The company has received approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration. It will begin trial runs in Trepassey late November, with full production anticipated by January 2003. "Our province�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth targeted industries such as manufacturing as growth opportunities for rural Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased that our enhanced EDGE program and our other business development tools played a role in attracting Hygenitek to Trepassey," said Minister Parsons. He also noted that two individuals (Wilf Sutton and Tom Sutton) from Trepassey received a Community Economic Development Award from the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development last fall for their work on the Strategic Development Plan for Trepassey, which identified the need to attract new manufacturing ventures, such as Hygenitek, to the community. "We are very excited to be developing
this industrial park. This is an important component of Trepassey�s
community development plan, and represents a new chapter in our region�s
development," said Rita Pennell, chairperson, Trepassey Management
Corporation. "Hygenitek is pleased to be establishing a manufacturing facility in Trepassey. We look forward to developing a strong presence in this region and working with the community to build our company," said Richard Barrett, president of Hygenitek Inc. Photo #1: After the announcement guests visited the industrial park site where Hygenitek's new facility is under construction. Front row left to right, Rita Pennell, Chair Trepassey Management Corporation; Hon. Kevin Aylward; Hon. Gerry Byrne. Second row, officials of Hygenitek Inc. Media contact: Olivia Letemplier Doug Burgess Josephine Cheeseman Rita Pennell Richard Barrett 2002 09 10 1:00 p.m. |
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