September 15, 2016, RICHIBUCTO (GNB) – Omera Shells Inc. will create up to 74 new jobs with the establishment of a facility to convert seafood waste into a product to be exported to the Asian market.
The company will create dried shells and bio-organic fertilizer. The dried shells are destined for Asia where the chitosan, which is widely used in biomedical, agricultural and industrial applications, will be extracted.
“Your government understands the importance New Brunswickers place on creating jobs and growing the economy,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Through this investment, we are getting things done to increase exports and create jobs.”
There is a large and growing market for crustacean shells. The cold, unpolluted waters in Atlantic Canada are known to produce higher-quality chitosan. Omera Shells will obtain waste product from Maritime seafood producers, who are currently paying to dispose of crustacean shell waste. The company has agreements with Asian buyers to sell all of its planned production in the first three years.
“I have been involved in the seafood processing business since 2002 and realized that there is a real demand for seashell waste in the form of chitosan in the Asian market,” said Omer Gaudet, president of Omera Shells. “We appreciate the support of the provincial government to develop this export market, open a new facility and create good jobs right here in our community.”
Up to 30 jobs will be created when the facility opens in the fall of 2016. Another 20 are expected to be hired in the new year, culminating in up to 74 within the next two years.
Opportunities NB will contribute $ 2.9 million in the form of a $440,000 payroll rebate and $2.5 million in term loans. At full capacity, the provincial income tax generated by 74 jobs would be about $165,000 a year. The jobs would also add about $6 million to the province’s annual GDP.
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):
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-7596, mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@onbcanada.ca.