August 31, 2016, POKEMOUCHE (GNB) – Up to 50 new jobs will be created when Jiffy Products expands their New Brunswick operation.
“We know how important creating jobs and growing the economy are to New Brunswickers and their families,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This announcement demonstrates how, by working together with the private sector and the Trudeau government, we are getting things done to grow the economy and create jobs here at home.”
With the $11.8 million expansion and relocation project, Jiffy will move their operation from Shippagan to Pokemouche and take over the former Atlantic Yarn building, which has been vacant for more than six years. The new facility gives the company the additional space it requires to ensure New Brunswick is a hub for Jiffy’s North American growth objectives. The Pokemouche site was selected over three other North American locations.
“After 40 years in New Brunswick, this announcement enables Jiffy to bring our company to a new level,” said Zoël Gautreau, executive vice-president of Jiffy Products (N.B.) Ltd. “The extra space available will allow us to convert our research and development effort into one facility within the same property here in the Acadian Peninsula. This would not have happened without the financial support of the province.”
Jiffy Products, headquartered in Norway, is an industry leader in the peat extraction sector. The company manufactures a line of propagation, hydroponic and growing systems, along with substrates used for the horticultural industry.
“The harnessing of natural resources by small and medium-sized companies such as Jiffy Products (N.B.) Ltd. is the backbone of the economy in the Acadian Peninsula,” said Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier. “That is why we are pleased to support projects like this one that will help position this significant employer for future growth, which could lead to more jobs and create additional economic benefits for the rural communities of this region.”
Cormier attended the event for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The federal government, through ACOA’S Business Development Program, is providing a repayable contribution of $2.3 million towards the project. Opportunities NB is providing a $600,000 non-repayable contribution in support of capital expenditures along with a $500,000 forgivable loan in support of the creation of up to 50 jobs. The Regional Development Corporation is providing $1.4 million in assistance through the Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund.
The jobs will include a combination of positions ranging from plant workers to production staff, engineers, designers, electricians, shipping, maintenance and management.
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.
Zoël Gautreau, executive vice-president, Jiffy Products (N.B.) Ltd., 506-336-2284, Zoel.gautreau@jiffygroup.com.
Lisa Gautreau, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-471-1565, Lisa.gautreau@canada.ca.
