Almost $2 million to support the growth and productivity enhancement of four businesses in the Abitibi MRC

The Government of Canada supports projects by Group PHB (Perron, Hudon, Bélanger Inc.), Trionex Inc., Polyplast and Ferme Gasper (2008) Inc.

AMOS, QC, July 30, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is committed to creating close partnerships with Quebec businesses to support their efforts to innovate and increase their productivity and competitiveness so that they can contribute to the economic vitality of the regions, the creation of good-quality jobs and the improvement of citizens' quality of life.

Group PHB (Perron, Hudon, Bélanger Inc.), Trionex Inc., Ferme Gasper (2008) Inc. and Polyplast (9219-7078 Québec Inc.) will be able to benefit from Government of Canada funding to enhance their production capacity, acquire strategic equipment and upgrade regional tourism products. Their respective projects will generate total spending of over $6 million and will result in the creation of 13 jobs in the Abitibi MRC.

The Government of Canada's repayable contributions totalling $1,978,167 were announced by Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The financial assistance granted under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will allow the recipient businesses to achieve their established objectives.

Quotes

"I am pleased with this financial support from the Government of Canada, which has chosen to focus on the expansion plans of Canadian businesses. Group PHB, Trionex, Polyplast and Ferme Gasper are bold examples of the know-how and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize the Abitibi‑Témiscamingue region, and I encourage them to continue along the same lines."

Stéphane Lauzon, MP for Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"By helping businesses invest in equipment and devices to enhance their performance, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to take concrete action to ensure the economic growth of the regions. The aim of the contributions awarded today is to provide tangible support for the expansion of these businesses."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

Backgrounder

Proponent	Contribution – Investment – Project description
Group PHB	Repayable contribution of $1,501,667 out of a total investment of $4,960,981 Since 1995, PHB (Perron, Hudon, Bélanger Inc.) has been providing specialized geomatic services such as laser airborne remote sensing, commonly referred to as LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), aerial photogrametry and mapping. The Amos group has offices in Val-d'Or, Boisbriand, Montreal, Quebec City and Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso. The goal of the project is to enhance the company's competitiveness through the acquisition of innovative digital technology that will ensure the growth of the business. The project also targets the development of new markets, specifically in Latin America and West Africa. CED's assistance will allow the company to acquire equipment such as LiDAR digital sensors, computers, servers, software, a specialized camera, a Gyro GSM Mount and five inertial measurement units (IMUs), as well as to perform software and server maintenance. The project is expected to result in the creation of four jobs.
Trionex Inc.	Repayable contribution of $390,000 out of a total investment of $901,661 Since 1976, Trionex Inc. has been specializing in the manufacture and maintenance of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. The company also provides customized machining, welding and engineering services, and sells PONSEE forestry equipment. Its clients include prime contractors in the mining and forestry sectors. Through this project, Trionex aims to enhance its performance by supporting its growth and improving its productivity. The project included the expansion of the Amos plant, fit-up work, and the acquisition and installation of production equipment. With CED's assistance, the company expanded its plant by 265 square metres. It also added a 10-tonne overhead crane, an Okuma machining centre and a conventional five-metre lathe, as well as the required tools. The project resulted in the creation of four jobs.
Ferme Gasper (2008) Inc.	Repayable contribution of $50,000 out of a total investment of $115,200 Ferme Gasper (2008) began its operations in 1998 with beef cattle farming. In 2005, it shifted to dairy production. The farm recently decided to diversify its operations to include the production of freshly-made cheese curds and cheddar-type block cheese. The SME is gradually integrating into the regional agri-tourism circuit and local markets. The goal of the project is to improve Ferme Gasper's performance by adding a new agri-food processing activity: the production of artisanal cheese for consumption. CED's assistance allowed the business to construct a building, cover consultant costs, and acquire and install production equipment including a processing basin, a cheese press, a scale and a sealer. To date, the project has made it possible to maintain the two existing jobs and create four new ones.
Polyplast (9219-7078 Québec Inc.)	Repayable contribution of $36,500 out of a total investment of $73,000 Founded in 1998, Polyplast (9219-7078 Québec Inc.) produces molds made from resin for a wide range of polymer parts (epoxy, silicon and hot and cold polyurethane) aimed at prime contractors in the mining, forestry and government sectors. The goal of the project is to support the company's growth and help it improve its productivity. It will also help position the region as a global expert in the mining sector and increase the visibility of OEMs in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. CED's financial assistance will allow Polyplast to acquire and install production equipment, including a G-4000 industrial mixer, a screw compressor and a desiccant air dryer. One job is expected to be created as a result of the project.
Summary	Number of projects: 4 Number of jobs created: 13 CED contributions: $1,978,167 Total investment generated by these projects: $6,050,842

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]