Rolls-Royce Opens Marine Service Centre with Provincial Government Support

Global power systems company Rolls-Royce has opened a new commercial marine service centre in the province. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business, joined company officials and invited guests at the opening of the facility in Donovan�s Industrial Park in Mount Pearl, where he announced that the Provincial Government is supporting the expansion with $500,000 from the Business Attraction Fund.

�The Provincial Government welcomes the decision by Rolls-Royce to invest in Newfoundland and Labrador by establishing its new marine service centre here,� said Minister Wiseman. �Our government is very pleased to play a role in assisting the company as this facility creates new, skilled, well-paying jobs in the province and becomes a strategic marine service hub.�

Rolls-Royce�s investment in the province is a response to its growing customer base and demand in this region. The company�s 25,000 square-foot facility will provide state-of-the-art repair and overhaul expertise for marine customers in the Atlantic Provinces and other locations, and will employ up to 36 people within the next three years. The total value of the project is estimated at $10.5 million.

�Our investment in Newfoundland and Labrador is part of a broader strategy to increase value to our customers and better meet increasing demand in the offshore, merchant and naval markets in Canada and around the world,� said Bill Malacrida, Marine Regional Director for Rolls-Royce.

Newfoundland and Labrador�s industrial growth, particularly in the offshore and mining sectors, is presenting increased opportunities for marine products and services provided by Rolls-Royce. The province is strategically located as an eastern Canadian marine hub for the company, and the Mount Pearl facility is well-positioned, in close proximity to the Port of St. John�s, to service both Canadian-based and international vessels.

The marine business of Rolls-Royce employs roughly 8,000 people in 34 countries, and serves over 2,000 customers. The company provides products, service and expertise to more than 30,000 vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval surface and submarine markets.

�Today�s announcement reflects the innovative business climate that is emerging in this province,� said Elizabeth Marshall, Topsail MHA. �I am pleased that Rolls Royce has identified opportunities to expand its marine operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. This expansion will not only pay dividends for the company, but will contribute to the overall growth of the community, region and the province, as a whole.�

The Provincial Government�s investment of $500,000 is a non-repayable contribution that will assist in offsetting the company�s equipment acquisition, labour and training costs.

�As we continue to promote Newfoundland and Labrador�s impressive energy projects, our growing capabilities in marine industries, and other strengths, we are increasingly being recognized as an attractive destination for business and investment,� said Minister Wiseman. �Our government will continue its efforts to position the province as a location of choice for national and international companies, with a view to generating economic and employment growth that will benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.�

Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, allocated $29 million under the Business Attraction Fund to facilitate companies in establishing or expanding operations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and better enable the province to compete for national and foreign investment.

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2009 09 23                            12:50 p.m.