September 9, 2016, FREDERICTON (GNB) – The federal and provincial governments are investing in Trailway Brewing to help the Fredericton company double its production capacity.
“Supporting entrepreneurs is important to growing our economy,” said Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman. “The provincial government is pleased to support this company and the province’s craft brewing industry as it continues to grow to meet the increasing demands of its clientele.”
Horsman spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
“It is important to support companies in their critical growth stages as they do their part to help strengthen the regional economy,” said Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey. “The federal government is pleased to be working with TrailWay Brewing Co. to help increase its production and meet the demand the microbrewery have created for its specialty products.”
DeCourcey attended the event for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Through the project, the company will add new fermentation tanks that will more than double its production capacity. This will allow the company to satisfy the demand in the local market and to package and sell their product in NB Liquor locations and, potentially, to export markets.
Opportunities NB is providing a non-repayable contribution of $14,310, which will support the creation of two new jobs. Trailway Brewing Co. is providing $79,712 while the federal government has provided a repayable contribution of $328,094 to the project through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The project involved equipment purchases, as well as leasehold improvements to support the expansion.
The company started brewing beer in 2014 on a single 31-gallon barrel system in a basement selling to local pubs. Today, company founders Jake Saunders and Dan Mason, operate a 10-barrel brewery, complete with a tasting room and large patio area.
The company has received awards and recognition for its flavourful American-style ale. In 2015 it won First Place for the “Best of the Fest People’s Choice Award” at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival and the Bronze “People’s Choice Award” at the Saint John Beer Festival. In 2016, TrailWay won the “Best of the Fest People’s Choice Award” once again at the Fredericton festival.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Valerie Kilfoil, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-453-8168, valerie.kilfoil@onbcanada.ca.
Ann Kenney, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-452-3687.
Jake Saunders, co-owner and director, Trailway Brewing Co., 506-447-7560.
