Grand Bank fabrication company seeks higher certification

A Burin Peninsula metal fabrication company has received funding from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development to upgrade its welding certification. Metal Manu-Works Ltd. of Grand Bank has received $5,730 from the department�s Business and Market Development Program to help it obtain the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) 47.1 Division III certification.

"This certification is essential for welding and fabrication in the offshore oil industry. Metal Manu-Works has 13 years experience providing welding services to shipyards and this new certification will allow the company to bid on work at the White Rose and Terra Nova oil projects as well as the nickel mine at Voisey�s Bay," said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

Metal Manu-Works Ltd. has eight employees. The company has manufactured scallop rakes

which they have exported to St. Pierre and New Brunswick, and quick-closing ships� hatches and doors which they have exported to Halifax. The company�s clients include shipyards in St. John�s, Marystown, and Clearwater, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland Hydro.

The Business and Market Development Program provides funding to new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses to help them acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets in new growth areas of the economy. Government funding must be matched by an equal amount provided by the business.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-4570

2004 06 15                                       9:55 a.m.