I rise in this honourable house today to report on the Provincial Government�s continued support of the province�s manufacturing sector.

Today, and extending through Wednesday (December 3), the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development is facilitating the Lean Product Design and Development Workshop. This is an initiative of the Fluent Manufacturing Consortium and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

Delivered by Ronald Mascitelli, the founder and President of Technology Perspectives, the session is based on themes outlined in the newly-published book The Lean Product Development Guidebook. Internationally-recognized, Mr. Mascitelli�s clients include Lockheed-Martin, Adidas, Intel, Boeing, and Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley � a global provider of industrial automation and employer of 20,000 people.

The workshop is designed to provide companies and organizations with a set of practical tools for reducing waste and increasing the profitability of any new product development activity. Firms using these methods have experienced a 50 per cent reduction in time-to-market, dramatic improvements in gross margins, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to attend a portion of the session and was impressed by the level of enthusiasm and interest of participants that included, among others, Lotek Wireless, C&W Industrial Fabrication and Marine Equipment, Abbyshot Clothiers, Genoa Design International, Country Ribbon, and the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation.

The manufacturing sector represents a key component of the province�s growing economy. For this sector to continue to grow and prosper, it is important for the independent companies and organizations to work collectively and individually to improve productivity, and ultimately profitability. I am happy to report that my department helped create this partnership through a $16,400 investment under the Business Networks Program and sector specialists who worked to bring this local community together.

As a government, we are committed to providing accessible programs that enable local companies and organizations to more effectively sell their products and services, expand their operations, and target new opportunities. This is evident in our series of financial and non-financial programs aimed directly at diversifying and strengthening local economies.

We are in exciting and prosperous times as a province. I am confident that programs and sessions of this nature will enable private industry to capitalize on business opportunities and position the province for continued growth.