Four innovative businesses from the Rimouski-Neigette and La Mitis RCMs can continue to expand

More than $1.3M in support awarded to Les Structures G.B., Distillerie du St. Laurent, Le Moussonneur Artisan torréfacteur and Domaine Valga

RIMOUSKI, QC, Oct. 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Four businesses in the Rimouski-Neigette and La Mitis RCMs will be able to increase their production capacity and modernize their facilities thanks to financial contributions supporting projects that, together, will generate total investments of more than $6 million in the region.

The repayable contributions were announced today by David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The four recipients are Les Structures G. B. Ltée, Distillerie du St. Laurent Inc., Le Moussonneur Artisan torréfacteur (website in French only) and Domaine Valga (website in French only). They have been granted a total of $968,725 in financial assistance from CED, in the form of repayable contributions. In addition, Investissement Québec has extended a loan of $350,000 to the Distillerie du St. Laurent project.

The funding awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program and by Investissement Québec will help the recipient businesses either increase their production capacity and boost productivity or improve their tourism offering by modernizing their accommodations.

Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and commercialize innovative products. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian enterprises. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success because it generates growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Quotes

"I am proud of the Government of Canada's support for four Bas-Saint-Laurent businesses that stand out because they are dynamic, bold and innovative. The contributions will help them continue to develop and generate economic growth and high-quality jobs in the region."

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun

"By helping businesses invest in equipment and machinery that will make them more productive and by encouraging product commercialization and market development projects, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to stimulate expansion, innovation and exports."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

For more information on the four projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

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Backgrounder

Four businesses in the Rimouski-Neigette and La Mitis RCMs will be able to increase their production capacity and modernize their facilities thanks to financial contributions of more than $1.3 million supporting projects that, together, will generate total investments of more than $6 million in the region.

The repayable contributions were announced today by David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The four recipients are Les Structures G.B. Ltée, Distillerie du St. Laurent Inc., Le Moussonneur Artisan torréfacteur and Domaine Valga. They have been granted a total of $968,725 in financial assistance from CED, in the form of repayable contributions. In addition, Investissement Québec has extended a loan of $350,000 to the Distillerie du St. Laurent project.

The funding is awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program and by Investissement Québec.

Enterprise	Contribution – Investments – Project description
Les Structures G.B. Ltée	Repayable contribution of $512,500 out of a total investment of $4,883,060   The project consists in improving the business's productivity and increasing its production capacity and involves acquiring state-of-the-art production equipment and a new building, redesigning the production circuit and buying a more lightweight and fuel-efficient flatbed truck. CED's financial assistance will cover part of the acquisition and installation costs, including technological equipment, the vertical storage system and the plate-cutting table.   Founded in 1978, Les Structures G. B. designs, manufactures and installs conventional or custom steel structures that meet the needs of its clients, most of which are mining, oil, gas, pulp and paper or metal fabrication businesses. The company specializes in building complex infrastructure in isolated remote areas. It does not export directly, but manufactures heavy steel structures which are then shipped to South America and the United States.
Distillerie du St. Laurent Inc.	Repayable contribution of $335,000 out of a total investment of $835,000   Repayable contribution of $350,000 from Investissement Québec   The project is related to the productivity and expansion of Distillerie du St. Laurent. CED's and Investissement Québec financial assistance will go toward the acquisition of equipment (stills, mash tun, fermenters, bottling line, steam boiler) and leasehold improvements (plumbing, sprinklers, ventilation).    Distillerie du St. Laurent is a microdistillery that has been operating since August 2015. It produces and commercializes St. Laurent Gin, a spirit infused with seaweed harvested in Bas-Saint-Laurent. St. Laurent Gin has been available in SAQ stores since February 2016. The business is geared mainly to Quebec and Canada's domestic market, but also exports to Switzerland and France. Distillerie du St. Laurent wants to increase its production capacity to meet the demand for gin in the Quebec market and to develop export markets. It plans to expand its line by producing whisky from grain harvested in Bas-Saint-Laurent, as well as rum.
Le Moussonneur Artisan - torréfacteur (website in French only)	Repayable contribution of $72,225 out of a total investment of $325,015   The project consists in improving productivity and expanding the business through the acquisition and installation of production equipment and through leasehold improvements. CED's contribution will go toward the purchase of production equipment, including a roaster, packager and bagger, as well as computer equipment and leasehold improvements.   Le Moussonneur is a coffee micro-roaster that has a one-of-a-kind recipe: it soaks the coffee beans in sea water (in the Magdalen Islands). The business sells its products in the provincial market, and its main customers are hotels, restaurants, delis and shops that sell specialty products.
Domaine Valga (website in French only)	Repayable contribution of $49,000 out of a total investment of $150,000 The project consists in improving the tourism offer of Domaine Valga by modernizing its accommodations. CED's contribution will be used for major renovations to a cottage and for improvements to the quality of the log lodge, including insulation and roof sheathing.   Founded in 2003, Domaine Valga is a year-round tourist establishment that offers original accommodations in a nine-room log lodge or in one of its three log cabins in the heart of an ancient forest. The business offers six treetop trekking adventures, as well as the following services: snowmobile stopover; guided off-trail snowmobile trips; kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals; and hiking trails.

Summary
Number of projects:	4
CED contributions:	$968,725
Investissement Québec contribution:	$350,000
Total investments generated by these projects:	$6,193,075

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Sources: Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Régions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Marie-Ève Savard, Spokesperson, Investissement Québec, Tel.: [phone]