July 13, 2011
Quality North Building for the Future
With new market opportunities emerging in northern jurisdictions, St. Anthony manufacturer, Quality North will use an investment of $40,000 from the Provincial Government to expand and strengthen the expertise of its workforce.
“In order to fully maximize the benefits of emerging market opportunities it is critical to make strategic investments to support workforce development,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “The products that Quality North has been manufacturing are increasing in popularity in the construction sector. The addition of these key specialized personnel will assist this company in its goals to advance its export capabilities and competitiveness.”
Quality North was established in 2006 by the owners of three companies located on the Northern Peninsula – Sealand Enterprises, Holson Forest Products and Elite Builders – that identified export opportunities by collectively leveraging their capabilities and strengths. Quality North manufactures panelized wall systems and engineered roof trusses for housing/commercial building projects, as well as custom-made mobile units.
“This funding will allow Quality North to hire the appropriate people to move this company forward, especially in finding new export markets,” said Hubert Randell, President, Quality North. “These employees will build on initiatives already begun and enable us to increase sales as well as allow us to hire more local workers."
With support from the Provincial Government, Quality North will hire a project manager and marketing manager. These positions will enable the company to implement initiatives to maximize productivity while minimizing waste, in addition to exploring and targeting more markets via the Internet and trade shows.
“Today many companies and employees are subscribing to the concept of lean business practices, which help improve the overall effectiveness of a company’s operations,” said Minister Sullivan. “Supporting small businesses, such as Quality North, become more efficient while enhancing the ability to secure new business opportunities is a priority for this administration.”
The Provincial Government has previously supported Quality North though investments totalling $500,000. These investments have helped the company enter the construction sector in Labrador and explore market opportunities in such locations as Greenland and Nunavut.
This initiative was funded through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the 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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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Hubert Randell President Quality North 709-454-2113 |
2011 07 13 3:05 p.m.