July 18, 2017, SALISBURY (GNB) – Investments from the provincial and federal governments are helping Petz International, a producer of pet treats, to expand its facilities.
“Job creation and economic growth across the province are your government’s top priorities,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson. “Petz International has been a successful New Brunswick business for 20 years, and we are pleased to assist them as they take the next steps in their growth and pursue export opportunities.”
Melanson spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
Based in Salisbury, the company has been producing all-natural, freeze-dried pet treats since 1997. It employs 24 people.
“Over the two decades that we have been in operation, it has always been great to have had the level of assistance from the different levels of government helping us become a Maritime success story,” said Petz International president Jordan Davidson. “With their support, we have managed to grow into the company that we are, with our products shipping from coast to coast to coast, and this new expansion will allow us to move into more markets not previously available to us.”
In addition to expanding its manufacturing space, the company is purchasing testing equipment to meet certification standards. This is meant to enable continued growth and greater export opportunities. The expansion also allows for the creation of up to five full-time jobs over two years; four of these jobs have already been filled.
Opportunities NB will support 15 per cent of the total costs of the capital expenditures, to a maximum of $30,000, in the form of a non-repayable contribution. The federal government is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, while Petz International is investing $370,000.
“The Government of Canada understands that the long-term prosperity of many Canadian rural communities depends largely on small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart. “That is why we are pleased to support projects like this one that is helping Petz International Ltd. expand into new markets, create more jobs and generate new economic growth for this region.”
Lockhart attended for federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
This initiative builds on commitments made by the federal government and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
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.
From left: Treasury Board President Roger Melanson; Jordan Davidson, president of Petz International; Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart; and Daryle Boyce, general manager of Petz International.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Eric Lewis, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-866-6938.
