Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 24, 2010The 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.