Innovation, Business and Rural Development
August 3, 2012

Companies Benefit from Increased Technology

Newfoundland and Labrador-based businesses are using technology, through financial support totalling $484,479 from the Provincial Government, to improve operational efficiencies, as well as to boost their capacity for greater innovation and competitiveness.

The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, announced the collective investment in 11 businesses under the Technology Utilization Program at Magine Snowboard and Skis in Port au Port East, which received $52,164 through the program.

“For small and medium-sized enterprises, greater innovation invites greater opportunities,” said Minister Hutchings. “The application of technology-based solutions creates efficient, more profitable businesses and serves as a platform for growth and market expansion. As a government, we view this activity as being a key contributor to business development.”

The Technology Utilization Program is a program under Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity. The program’s objective is to assist businesses improve business processes, product quality, efficiency and competitiveness. It also equips businesses with technology to become more energy efficient and reduce emissions.

“With the addition of modern manufacturing equipment, we have increased the efficiency and quality of the snowboards and skis we produce,” said Steve Wheeler, General Manager, Magine Snowboards and Skis. “This investment will support the growth of our community and our business nationally and internationally, while allowing us to develop new and innovative products that are inspired by our family and friends.”

Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, joined Minister Hutchings in making the announcement and acknowledged the value of innovation in smaller, more rural communities.

“Today’s announcement is significant for the province’s business community and for Magine Snowboards and Skis,” said Mr. Cornect. “Innovation is often viewed as being something that takes place in larger centres when that is clearly not the case. I thank Minister Hutchings for holding today’s announcement in Port Au Port East and communicating the message that people in rural areas can be just as innovative as those in urban areas.”

Since its launch in 2006, Newfoundland and Labrador’s first innovation strategy has guided Provincial Government investments in private sector enterprises, educational institutions, and key infrastructure. Some of the successes stemming from the strategy include an increase in the province’s telecommunications capacity, creation of the Research & Development Corporation, and the establishment of the Craig L. Dobbin Genetic Research Centre.

“Companies supported under the Technology Utilization Program reflect the diverse nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community,” said Minister Hutchings. “From supporting the aquaculture industry to the manufacturing of skis and snowboards, they each make a substantial contribution to their community and to the diversification of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Investing in their growth is an investment in the future success of the province.”

For each initiative funded through a call for proposals, the Provincial Government is providing non-repayable contributions, up to 80 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $100,000.

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BACKGROUNDER
Businesses Supported Under the Technology Utilization Program

Auk Island Enterprises Inc., Twillingate, $32,800
To purchase equipment that will increase production and extend their products’ shelf life.

British Confectionery Company Limited, Mount Pearl, $20,457
To assist with the purchase and installation of a mixed paper materials waste compactor that will eliminate approximately 425 tonnes of waste annually.

Chatman’s Bakery Limited, Charlottetown, $18,756
To purchase new processing equipment that will improve their manufacturing process and help the company to meet new safety standards in the food industry.

Dalton’s Manufacturing, Cape Broyle, $62,080
To acquire a new spray booth that will improve the quality of their locally manufactured wooden caskets and allow the company to repair damaged imported steel caskets.

Island Sweet Fibre Arts, Corner Brook, $720
To purchase equipment that will provide a more advanced process for the production of dyed wools and yarns.

Magine Snowboards and Skis, Port au Port, $52,164
To purchase new production equipment and technology that will increase operational efficiencies and the quality of their line of skis and snowboards.

Newfoundland Chocolate Company, St. John’s, $21,016
To purchase equipment that will automate processes currently performed manually resulting in cost savings, improved productivity and product quality.

Newfoundland Aqua Service Limited, Milltown, $100,000
To purchase an evaporation system for a new land-based washing facility for the aquaculture industry. This method will reduce the wastewater produced from cleaning nets by up to 98 per cent.

Notus Electronics Limited, St. John’s, $64,000
To support the acquisition of sonar software that will improve business processes, product quality, efficiency and competitiveness.

Restwell Limited, Harbour Grace, $93,500
To purchase a multi-needle quilter industrial sewing machine enabling the company to manufacture, in-house, a mattress component currently sourced from out-of-province. The company will also be able to manufacture a new line of high-end mattresses.

The Dark Tickle Company, St. Lunaire-Griquet, $18,586
To purchase equipment that will automate production processes that will increase productivity and reduce waste.

2012 08 03                                                    1:25 p.m.