The Newfoundland & Labrador Builders International Corporation (NLBIC) is beginning to market its panelized home construction capability in France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. With a $25,000 investment from the Provincial Government, the NLBIC will expand upon market success already experienced in Iceland.

"Europe represents significant market potential for Newfoundland and Labrador�s products across a variety of industries and as a government we are keen on opening doors to facilitate the reach of our companies into new markets," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The NLBIC has demonstrated the value of companies forging strong business alliances to achieve higher endeavours. When companies work collectively, each bringing a unique set of skills and resources to the table, they can often achieve much more business success."

Established in 2005, the NLBIC is an alliance of companies with the objective of selling wood frame housing to export markets. Participating companies are located in various regions of the province and offer different elements that go into the construction of a new home.

"Thanks to the panelized timber frame construction technology, we are able to offer a very high quality home at reasonable prices with many advantages offered by in-factory fabrication," said Leo Walsh, Project Consultant, NLBIC. "Considering the current labour market challenges related to home construction in this province, this technology is part of the solution and, in our opinion, the way of the future for the construction industry."

Panelized home construction in a factory setting has many advantages over traditional construction practices. For the consumer, the speedy factory-assembly of panels saves both time and labour costs and results in a sturdier and drier lumber product that has consistent fit and finish, is less prone to warping and damage, and requires less shipping space. For builders, it is a practical solution that reduces delays caused by labour shortage, extends the building season, decreases waste and theft, and allows them to offer greater design flexibility, consistent quality, and more accurate estimations of completion dates and pricing.

"The overall goal of this initiative is to increase opportunities for our local manufacturers and suppliers," said Minister Skinner. "This investment will have a positive impact on employment and the long-term viability of the individual companies making up the NLBIC."

This investment is further to a previous $50,000 in funding between 2006 and 2007 through the Business and Market Development Program (BMDP) of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development that helped facilitate the business activity in Iceland.

The 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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