Compass Group Canada brings new jobs to Newfoundland

ST. JOHN'S, March 30 /CNW/ - ESS, an operating sector of Compass Group Canada, has been awarded a three-year contract to establish a camp and catering service for Vale Inco in Long Harbour, Nfld. ESS provides vital workplace support for people working in some of the most demanding and hostile terrains in the world, such as mines and offshore rigs. The transaction was finalized on March 19th, 2010.

ESS has operated in Newfoundland for the past 40 years. The company currently employs more than 500 people in Newfoundland and Labrador and provides food services to Memorial University, Eastern Health and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, to name a few. The new contract will provide additional employment for up to 115 Newfoundlanders. Under the terms of the contract, ESS is making a commitment to hire local subcontractors and lease local equipment.

"This contract provides an exceptional opportunity not only for ESS, but also for the residents of Newfoundland," said Brian Arbuckle, Chair, ESS North America.

According to the terms of the contract, ESS will provide food and support services to the employees hired by Vale Inco to build the nickel processing plant and port. Subcontractor Malthus Canada - a subsidiary of Malthus AS of Norway and based in St. John's, Newfoundland - will install temporary housing for the workers. To construct the four-season accommodation, Malthus Canada will employ 25 local residents, purchase Canadian equipment, and lease local equipment.

ESS - like its partner Vale Inco - is firmly committed to investing in the communities where it operates, by hiring local residents and buying local products whenever possible. The company highly values its current designation as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, an award that is partly based on the social responsibility a company regularly demonstrates and its reputation for supporting projects in the communities where it does business.

About Compass Group Canada

Compass Group Canada is the country's leading foodservice and support services company, with revenues of $1.25 billion in 2009. Operating sectors include: ESS, Eurest, Eurest Services, Chartwells, Morrison, Crothall, Canteen Vending Services, Compass Leisure & Entertainment, Levy Restaurants, Restaurant Associates, Gourmet Cuisine, and The Hurley Group. Compass Group Canada has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2009 and 2010. With 386,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, Compass Group PLC had revenues of (pnds stlg)13.4 billion ($22.9 billion CAD) in the year to September 30, 2009.

For further information: Cindy Harris, Senior Advisor, Communications, Compass Group Canada, at [phone] (x432), [email protected]; www.compass-canada.com