Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 1, 2011
Mining Activity Leads Labrador Company to Expand
Experiencing high demand for its welding services, Labrador West-based Carol Lake Metal Works is expanding its workforce with a $106,375 investment from the Provincial Government.
“The tremendous mining activity taking place in Labrador West is leading to significant spinoff opportunities for local businesses such as Carol Lake Metal Works,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “This marks an exciting time to operate a business in Labrador West and it is great to see Carol Lake Metal Works strengthen its workforce to derive maximum benefits from the local mines. We anticipate that as the mining activity continues, there will be more local companies undertaking expansion plans.”
Opened in 2007, the company has used the local mines to its benefit securing a variety of welding contracts and equipment rentals. With increasing demand for its services, the company will add five positions and provide training for its new staff.
“The mining industry in Labrador is currently benefitting from an impressive surge in activity, and with assistance from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Carol Lake Metal Works is seizing opportunities,” said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. “In 2011 exploration expenditures in Labrador are forecast to be $91 million. We look forward to more opportunities for businesses to grow.”
Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West, believes that the success of Carol Lake Metal Works represents just a small portion of the spin-off benefits being experienced by local businesses in Labrador.
“I am very pleased with this investment by our government to Carol Lake Metal Works,” said Mr. Baker. “It is always exciting to see our local businesses expand their operations and add new staff. It helps contribute to the growth of the local economy.”
This initiative was funded through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, this program helps small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic sectors acquire and increase the skills of employees to enhance productivity and global competitiveness. It is funded by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement and the Strategic Training and Transition Fund.
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Photo #1: Front row (from left to right) the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Stephen Hawco, Owner, Carol Lake Metal Works, and Jim Baker, MHA, Labrador West, pose with employees of Carol Lake Metal Works.
Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1674, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
| Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 697-1424 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
2011 03 01 11:05 a.m.