Executive Council
Business
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
September 25, 2008

World-Leading Footwear Manufacturer Expands Harbour Grace Facility

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that, with an investment by the Provincial Government, Terra Nova Shoes has completed a major expansion to its facility in Harbour Grace. Terra Nova Shoes, a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality outdoor footwear, is a subsidiary of Kodiak Group Holdings ULC (KGH), and the expansion will allow the company to relocate its other Canadian manufacturing operations to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premier Williams was joined by the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Business; the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; Kevin Huckle, President of Kodiak Group Holdings; and, other company officials in making the announcement and officially opening the expanded facility.

"For many years, this company has been a major employer and mainstay of the local economy," said Premier Williams. "The manufacturing facility in Harbour Grace has emerged as a truly world-class operation, and, with this expansion, the company is well-positioned to further increase its market potential. Our government is committed to growing our province�s rural areas, and this initiative will help create new employment and business opportunities for the people of the Conception Bay North region."

After considering options for consolidation, the company chose to base its Canadian operations in Harbour Grace because of Terra Nova�s strong track record, commitment to quality assurance and customer satisfaction, and productive and dedicated workforce. The expansion will realize the addition of approximately 50 new positions at Harbour Grace, as well as the retention of the over 170 existing staff. To increase capacity, a 30,000 square-foot extension to the existing 70,000 square-foot facility has been completed.

"We are very excited to be expanding Kodiak�s strong business model and culture in this region," said Kevin Huckle, President of Kodiak Group Holdings. "The expansion to this fine facility is a result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in our Harbour Grace footwear plant. This activity reveals our strong commitment to this organization and supports future growth. Kodiak�s investment demonstrates that manufacturing still plays a crucial role in Canada�s economy."

"The company�s decision to base its Canadian operations in Newfoundland and Labrador will strengthen its competitiveness internationally," said Minister Oram. "The investment in the Harbour Grace facility will also boost employment in the community and have a positive influence on the economy. This is a prime example of the tremendous benefits that come with attracting new investment and new business. It is a win-win deal for the company and the province."

KGH is an affiliate of Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. (Dickies), the Texas-headquartered makers of Dickies products, a leading global work wear brand, with worldwide operations employing over 5,000 people. The KGH Harbour Grace operation (Terra Nova Shoes) specializes in safety footwear and manufactures the high-end Terra and Kodiak brands. The company�s products exceed Canadian, European and American safety standards and are highly-regarded for their quality. The company is also an official supplier of the Department of National Defence and produces a range of military and police footwear.

The Harbour Grace manufacturing facility will employ state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and has a research and development team to help maintain equipment and search for improvements in manufacturing techniques, all of which contribute to the company�s objective to continually enhance productivity.

"As a government, we are working very aggressively to build strong rural communities with healthy economies for today and future generations," said Minister Taylor. "To enable us to achieve our objective, we are committed to making strategic investments and supporting innovative enterprises. Our support of Kodiak Group's expansion of its Harbour Grace facility is representative of that commitment."

The Provincial Government is contributing an $8 million interest-free loan to Terra Nova Shoes, repayable over a maximum of 10 years. The funding is being made available through the Business Attraction Fund, administered by the Department of Business. The Business Attraction Fund provides loans and equity investments to facilitate companies in establishing or expanding operations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is designed to better enable the province to compete for and attract new national and international business.

"Enabling the growth and success of rural regions continues to be a key priority for our government," said Premier Williams. "Investments such as this help strengthen the foundation of rural economies and progress our province along a path to greater self-sufficiency."

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Photo #1: Hon. Jerome Kennedy, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace; Hon. Danny Williams, Premier; Hon. Paul Oram, Minister of Business; and Hon. Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development give the Terra Nova Shoes renowned footwear products a try on.

Photo #2: Terra Nova Shoes VP of Manufacturing, Dave Gill (far left), gives Premier Danny Williams; Hon. Paul Oram, Minister of Business, and Hon. Jerome Kennedy, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace; a tour of the expanded facility.

Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Mark King
Director of Communications
Department of Business
709-729-7628, 699-3454
markking@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca 
Lory-Ann Avery
Marketing Manager
Kodiak Group Holdings Co.
1-800-263-5903 ext. #4043
lory.avery@kodiakboots.com

 

BACKGROUNDER

Kodiak

Known for its innovation and a history that dates back to 1910, Kodiak has earned an international reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Lightweight and comfortable, Kodiak boots are built for maximum protection on the job site and total enjoyment outdoors. Kodiak's licensing program ranges from a complete clothing selection to a full line of outdoor accessories. Kodiak is a dominant force in the industrial footwear and outerwear market. In addition to the iconic Kodiak brand, the company also manufactures and markets the highly regarded Terra brand of safety footwear. Terra brand roots date back to 1971 in Canada and the Terra Brand is known for unique manufacturing processes. The result is a product of superior quality and performance. Kodiak also owns and operates Work Authority retail stores and a national fleet of mobile truck units.

Dickies

Since its beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company has grown from a humble manufacturer of bib overalls into a global brand powerhouse, with Dickies work pants, shirts, denim, outerwear, school uniforms, outdoor gear, medical and chefs apparel and an extensive licensing program offering sturdy head-to-toe clothing options for hardworking men and women of all ages, professions, regions and interests. Williamson-Dickie operates through subsidiaries in North America, Canada and Europe as well as exclusive distributorship around the world.

2008 09 25                                                 11:15 a.m.

 


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