Oil and Gas Company�s Competitiveness Increases
with Provincial Government Support

Crosbie Engineering Ltd. (CEL), with Provincial Government support, is taking steps to obtain the ISO 9001:2000 certification, an important benchmark for the company to improve its competitiveness in the international oil and gas industry.

"To fully capitalize on new export market opportunities and satisfy international clients, companies in the oil and gas industry must obtain ISO certification to demonstrate quality assurance," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Provincial Government is investing $18,000 to assist with the implementation of ISO certification for Crosbie Engineering. This investment will increase the company�s ability to access new export markets and target new opportunities."

Incorporated in 1988, CEL is a St. John�s-based consulting engineering firm specializing in electrical and mechanical system design and project management services for commercial, industrial and institutional projects. CEL has expertise in a variety of engineering projects throughout Newfoundland and Labrador including design services and project management for new buildings, building renovations, office set-up, demolition and redevelopment of historical buildings.

"In business, a commitment to client and quality is the mark of a successful business," said Neil Cleary, Crosbie Engineering. "We believe in everything we do, we must put our best foot forward. Achieving the ISO 9001 certification will be a flag that tells our local and emerging clientele we will deliver results with a continuous commitment to quality. We see great things ahead for our business, and this is a springboard to those new heights."

ISO 9001:2000 is an international quality standard that defines minimum requirements for a company�s quality management system and includes policies and technical procedures that ensure customer requirements are met with consistency resulting in customer satisfaction.

"The oil and gas industry is a major economic driver for Newfoundland and Labrador," said Bob Ridgley, MHA, St. John�s North. "I am pleased that the Provincial Government is supporting the growth of this company into new export markets. I encourage other companies to consider the advantages of obtaining this highly-valued designation."

The project was funded through the Business and Market Development Program (BMDP). Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, BMDP provides new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses with matching funding to help them acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets. The $1 million program is intended to support new growth opportunities in the economy, such as value-added manufacturing activities and export-oriented opportunities.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 14                                                    10:50 a.m.