The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, along with Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, today toured Martak Canada, to view the progress of their project developing a new manufacturing process for refurbishing shrimp peeling rollers. This is the latest in a number of technology tours by representatives of the Provincial Government.
This innovative project allows Martak Canada to refurbish rollers and replace rubber onsite in Newfoundland and Labrador, improving productivity and processes and making the company more competitive in building shrimp processing equipment for a global market.
The Provincial Government provided $173,392 in funding towards this project. The Government of Canada is also providing a $499,825 conditionally repayable investment through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, as well as up to $146,605 through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program.
Martak Canada is based in Paradise and employs 10 people. The company provides equipment service contracts for the cold water shrimp peeling industry, offering equipment maintenance for specialized peeling and after peeling machinery. Martak Canada is one of only two companies in the world that specialize in servicing cold water shrimp peeling equipment.
The Provincial Government, along with industry, has collaborated on a Technology Sector Work Plan, to maximize private sector job creation and economic growth as set out in The Way Forward.
Quotes
“Government, along with the NL Innovation Council, are working to foster more innovation in our province, and build upon the Business Innovation Agenda. Martak is only one of two companies in the world which specializes in servicing of cold water shrimp peeling equipment, and this new innovative process will have a significant impact on the growth of the company, as well as improving efficiency and quality control for the industry. We are home to many leading edge firms, and Martak is just another great example of the growing R and D capabilities of our province.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The Government of Canada recognizes that innovative ideas and processes create new opportunities and we are committed to helping local businesses develop, adopt and commercialize technologies in industries such as manufacturing. This investment in Martak Canada supports the company’s efforts to expand its manufacturing operation, increase productivity and contribute to economic growth in this region.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Provincial and Federal governments support through TCII, ACOA, and NRC have been key in Martak Canada successfully developing this initiative. Investing in the new manufacturing process here in Newfoundland is part of Martak’s long-term growth strategy. This allows the company to meet the increasing export demand to new markets while ensuring the highest standards of technology and quality.”
Jon Osmann Arason
CEO/ Owner Martak Canada
– 30 –
Learn more
Martak Canada – martak.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Landon Fisher
Martak Canada
709-747-7001, 709-690-2167
landon@martak.ca