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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 24, 2010

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development:

Web-based Directory Supports Manufacturing Sector

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a diverse manufacturing sector that in 2008 produced close to $7 billion in products and was a direct employer of approximately 14,000 individuals.

This activity is being driven by innovative, ambitious entrepreneurs who are thinking big and exploring opportunities to expand and increase export activity.

Visible Innovation in Pasadena has developed photoluminescent safety signage and markings that are garnering significant attention from companies operating industrial worksites. Its unique product absorbs light energy that is re-emitted as visible light during dark or blackout conditions making it ideal for a safe work environment.

This government recognizes the contribution that such businesses make to the province and the benefits of their continued expansion.

To better facilitate their success, we have invested in a comprehensive suite of business development programs totaling close to $90 million. Programming that has proven to help launch a company's growth; improve operational efficiencies; modernize equipment; address workforce skill gaps; and open doors to a world of opportunities.

We also administer a series of workshops that enable companies to better sell to large procurers of goods and services and acquire knowledge into how to maximize productivity.

These sessions also provide us with the opportunity to acquire insights into how we can better facilitate sector growth.

Last Thursday, dialogue from these sessions culminated in the launch of the Provincial Government's latest resource designed to support the expansion of the manufacturing sector — a web-based directory of manufacturers from across the province.

The directory has the potential to link businesses, create better awareness of the scope of products manufactured in Newfoundland and Labrador, and centralize information into an easy to use format.

Howard Nash of the Canadian Manufacturers' and Exporters describes it as a valuable tool that creates awareness of the range of locally-manufactured products and helps companies reach a wider marketplace.

Lotek Wireless' Mark Ploughman sees the directory as a vehicle to enhancing awareness of locally-manufactured products and holding value for companies seeking partnering, networking or other commercial opportunities. He also feels that the directory will open the eyes of jobseekers that are looking for challenging and rewarding careers.

Our goal is a straightforward one — to improve the ease in which companies do work and market their products globally.

Whether you are in Buchans, Happy Valley-Goose Bay or Twillingate, this initiative benefits local manufacturers. It promotes provincially-produced materials to a global marketplace and supports the sustainable development of the business community.

2010 03 24                                                      2:20 p.m.


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