Newfoundland manufacturer receives funding for mobile stage system

A Conception Bay company has received funding to help market its mobile stage system. Can-Am Stageline Incorporated has received $18,000 in matching funding from the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development�s Business and Market Development Program to help develop marketing materials for its products.

Can-Am Stageline of Shearstown designs and manufactures mobile stages for use in events such as concerts. The mobile stages are the brainchild of local businessman Tom Noseworthy who previously designed and made pre-fabricated classrooms and remote work camps. The company aims to produce mobile stages with shorter setup and breakdown times at lower costs than existing units, particularly for the United States market. The company�s first production model has been leased to a New England company. The company is also looking at other product lines and has developed a stake puller for use in the exhibition tent industry in the United States.

Port de Grave MHA Roland Butler, speaking on behalf of Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, said: "I congratulate Mr. Noseworthy on his initiative and on his entrepreneurial abilities. Manufacturing of specialized engineered products such as the ones being pursued by this company clearly demonstrates that we are capable of creating new, year-round jobs for export markets which can help to diversify and strengthen the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

The department�s Business and Market Development Program is designed to provide new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses with funding to help them acquire expertise to pursue new business ideas and new markets for their products and services.

Media contact: Clifford Grinling, Communications, (709) 729-7066.

2001 07 30              3:35 p.m.