SAINT-QUENTIN (CNB) – Groupe Savoie celebrated the grand opening of its new wood pellets and briquettes manufacturing plant today thanks to assistance from the federal and provnicial governments.
Premier Shawn Graham and Senator Percy Mockler joined company representatives and members of the community as they toured the facility and observed the equipment.
“Today's celebration marks another milestone for Groupe Savoie and New Brunswick,” said Graham. “The provincial government is proud to be a major partner in this project which shows what can happen when we work together with the private sector to create and maintain jobs in Saint Quentin and New Brunswick.”
The new plant is built next to the company’s existing hardwood operations in Saint-Quentin that will supply the sawdust, shavings, bark and wood chips needed to manufacture the wood pellets and briquettes. The new plant will produce about 50,000 tons of pellets and 5,000 tons of briquettes per year. Export sales are expected to reach more than $9 million.
“Our government, through the Economic Action Plan, has taken steps to stimulate the economy, create jobs and support communities hardest hit by the global economic downturn,” said Mockler. “Our government is delighted that Groupe Savoie is officially opening its new manufacturing plant today as it will help maintain jobs in the forestry sector while creating additional full-time employment and acquiring new technology.”
Mockler spoke on behalf of National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also the minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“This new project fits perfectly in our vision -- a company recognized for adding maximum value to available forest resources,” said Jean-Claude Savoie, president of the comany.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is contributing $2 million toward the project under the Community Adjustment Fund. The provincial government is assisting the company with a non-repayable contribution and a loan totalling $5 million for the $11-million project.
30-07-10