NLIS 7
November 19, 2002
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

One day boat-building seminar offered at Marine Institute

A workshop for people involved or interested in boat building will be held at the Marine Institute on Ridge Road in St. John�s tomorrow (November 20). The Fibreglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Workshop is targeted at commercial boat builders and will provide information and demonstrations of new techniques being used to produce fibreglass boats efficiently and safely.

"Boat building and repair is an important rural industry with approximately 50 companies that employ over 750 people and generates $70 million a year," says Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, one of the sponsors of the event. "Eighty-seven per cent of new boats are purchased by holders of commercial fishing licences, so improvements in construction techniques can help both the boat building and the fishing industries."

The workshop is titled "Taking Advantage of Today�s Technologies" and will provide seven presentations from companies that are leading in the development of new products and services in the FRP industry. Topics covered include new production materials and techniques including vacuum bagging, which can offer occupational health benefits, resin infusion and construction techniques using high strength core materials. Between 70 and 100 people are expected to attend the workshop.

The fishery and manufacturing sectors have been recognized by government in its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth as opportunities for economic growth. The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with other government agencies and the boat building industry, is in the process of developing a boat building strategy for the province.

Approximately 800 boats are built annually in Newfoundland and Labrador. Indirect economic benefits from the boat building industry include an additional 525 jobs and an additional $16 million contributed to the provincial economy throughout the province.

Other sponsors of the workshop are the Marine Institute, the National Research Council, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. People wishing to register for the workshop should call Dawn King at the Marine Institute: (709)-778-0543 or e-mail

Media contact: Clifford Grinling, (709) 729-7066.

2002 11 19                                       4:45 p.m.


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