July 19, 2018, JUNIPER (GNB) – Juniper Organics has completed a $3-million investment in equipment and infrastructure upgrades at its peat moss plant with support from the provincial and federal governments. The capital investments are expected to create 10 new full-time equivalent jobs over the next four years.
“Job creation and economic growth are top priorities for your government,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Andrew Harvey. “Having Juniper Organics commit to a capital investment of this size is proof that our economic growth plan for the provincial economy is working. We are getting things done on behalf of working families all across rural New Brunswick.”
Harvey spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
To support the expansion, Juniper Organics is eligible for an investment of $375,000 from Opportunities NB, which 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. Its support is expected to help generate more than $3 million of investment and hiring by the company.
The company is also eligible for a $50,000 loan from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian businesses grow and innovate so that they can continue to create good-quality, well-paying jobs that strengthen our middle class,” said federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also the minister responsible for ACOA. “Through ACOA, we are making strategic investments in companies like Juniper Organics, who are taking steps to innovate, expand and contribute to the growth and diversification of local economies.”
It is estimated that creating up to 10 jobs, along with the company’s $3 million in capital spending, would contribute $5.4 million to the province’s GDP over four years.
The company’s Juniper Farms product line includes soils, peat moss, composts, mulches and a professional growing mix. Its raw materials are sourced locally, with the finished products made at its Juniper manufacturing facility.
“As a New Brunswick company, it is very important that we continue to innovate and update our equipment,” said Stephen Fyffe, general manager of Juniper Organics. “We would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for their support of these capital projects. This expansion will boost not only our production but also our ability to employ more New Brunswickers here in Juniper.”
The company has operated in Juniper since 2011 and employs more than 20 people.