"This is a great example of a company that is investing in new facilities, machinery and skilled labour in order to expand capacity and take advantage of export opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach," the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Business, said at today's announcement. "The company is taking active steps to grow and improve productivity to build on its manufacturing business and exploit markets outside Newfoundland and Labrador."

A.H.M. Fabricators is a subsidiary of Atlantic Hydraulic & Machine Limited (Atlantic Hydraulic), a supplier of machined and fabricated parts and equipment to the pulp and paper, marine, mining and oil and gas industries. The expanded operation will create 22 new fulltime jobs in addition to Atlantic Hydraulic�s current workforce of 12 full-time and several part-time positions.

"Our province is home to many innovative small businesses such as this that recognize growth opportunities and have the vision and energy to capitalize on them," said the Honourable Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West. "Our government is pleased to provide support to A.H.M. Fabricators as it expands and brings added employment and economic benefits to Corner Brook and the western region."

To make the expansion a reality, A.H.M Fabricators will receive $490,000 from the province�s Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Export Development Fund, administered by the Department of Business, to assist in acquiring the necessary equipment.

"We recognized the potential, mainly from oil and gas, to bid on fabrication work based outside the province," said Glen Sullivan, co-owner and operator of A.H.M. Fabricators. "The Provincial Government�s support will help us to pursue those opportunities and expand our business."

"This investment into a Corner Brook fabricating company is welcome news," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East. "In addition to creating 22 new jobs, it will help further ensure that companies of this region have the ability to compete in, and become a service provider to, the oil and gas industry both nationally and internationally."

Atlantic Hydraulic is a member of the Western Metal Working Network, a group of businesses located in western Newfoundland that partner to promote their collective strengths for fabrication work. This expansion will support transfer of technology, skills and expertise and add to the network�s collaborative strength and ability to market the region for business opportunities outside the province.

The Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Export Development Fund supports export-based equipment fabrication and service provision related to supplying the oil and gas industry. Through this program, the Department of Business has been actively pursuing opportunities that will help foster increased export capability and technology transfer in Newfoundland and Labrador�s oil and gas supply and service sector.

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