March 12, 2018, CLAIR (GNB) – The federal and provincial governments provided financial support to help Max Steel expand its operations in Clair and add two new jobs.
“Your government is committed to making smart investments to help businesses succeed in every corner of the province,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “We are pleased to see long-time businesses like Max Steel continue to succeed and grow. These investments create and maintain good jobs, supporting workers and their families.”
Max Steel specializes in the custom manufacturing of parts and equipment for various sectors, including manufacturing and forestry. The company opened in 1989 and employs 16 people in Clair.
The investment enabled the company to expand its operations, purchase new equipment and reconfigure the plant floor, allowing for improved workflow, improved employee safety and new efficiencies to support increasing sales.
The provincial and federal governments invested a combined total of $218,000 in the $505,000 project.
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian businesses grow and innovate so that they can continue to create good quality jobs and generate wealth within their communities,” said Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Through ACOA, we are making strategic investments in companies like Max Steel to help them continue growing, innovating, and supporting the diversification of local economies.”
The provincial government invested $109,000 in the form of a non-repayable contribution, with $45,250 from Opportunities NB and $63,750 from the Regional Development Corporation’s Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund.
ACOA invested $109,000 in the project through its Business Development Program.
“These investments have allowed us to complete an expansion of our factory and acquire additional production equipment, enabling us to optimize our services, and ensure the continued success of our enterprise,” said François Bossé, company general manager. “Today, the factory is 16,500 square feet (1,485 sq. metres) and boasts new lifting equipment for up to 10 tonnes. This expansion means we are better equipped to respond to demand and facilitates the manufacture of various construction products. We are very appreciative.”
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs, while providing support services for businesses.
From left: Jean-Pierre Ouellet, mayor of the rural community of Haut-Madawaska; François Bossé, general manager of the company; company president Mario Nadeau; Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB; and Madawaska-Restigouche MP René Arseneault.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Eric Lewis, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-866-6938.
Jennifer Houle, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-261-5534.
François Bossé, general manager, Max Steel, 506-992-3311.