Operating modern, efficient businesses means looking for ways to improve productivity and sustainability to support growth and create jobs. With that in mind, Western Steel Works Inc. is improving its manufacturing operations in western Newfoundland to be more energy efficient and is upgrading its technology to improve productivity.
Western Steel Works Inc. has facilities in both Deer Lake and Corner Brook which provide welding, metal fabrication and machine shop services. The company will renovate both locations with more energy efficient insulation, lighting and doors. In addition, Western Steel Works will improve its business productivity by upgrading computer equipment and software, including new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabrication equipment. CNC equipment uses computer software to assist in the manufacturing process by controlling the movement of tools and complex machinery.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, is contributing $143,557 in repayable funding towards these initiatives, and the Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $239,500.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that create good, middle-class jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize to fuel business growth. Support for these projects is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
In addition to supporting objectives outlined in the Technology Sector Work Plan, this initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“This initiative by Western Steel Works to improve business operations, utilize technologies and find efficiencies aligns well with The Way Forward’s Business Innovation Agenda. We continue to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. With support from the Provincial Government, this local company will expand its manufacturing process, further develop its operations and efficiency, and advance into new markets.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with businesses, industry and communities to create the right environment for sectors such as manufacturing to thrive. By investing in local companies like Western Steel Works, our government is helping to modernize and advance this industry, grow the economy and create good paying middle class jobs.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This government is proud to support Western Steel Works, as it continues to make major improvements by investing in modern technology and new equipment. This local company is a positive economic contributor to the region, providing good quality, highly paid jobs.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources and MHA for Corner Brook
“Western Steel Works is a well-established business here on the west coast, which contributes to local employment and the growth of other small businesses and industries in our region. It’s great to see this company taking the initiative to upgrade its equipment, technology and manufacturing operations to become an even more productive, energy efficient business.”
Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“In order to stay competitive in this industry, we need to have the right equipment at our facilities and we need to adapt when technology changes. These upgrades and new equipment will help our company to stay competitive, maintain employment at both of our locations and improve the services we offer to our customers.”
Eric Patey
Owner, Western Steel Works Inc.
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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
Ida Patey
Western Steel Works Inc.
709-634-3642