Imprimerie Ste-Julie and MIIP are building on innovation to grow and to create jobs in Montérégie

Government of Canada awards nearly $850,000 in financial assistance to these two businesses so they can improve their productivity and commercialize their innovative products

SAINTE-JULIE, QC, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - By investing in innovation, we are encouraging the growth of local businesses and preparing Quebecers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and commercialize innovative products. The financial assistance announced today by the Government of Canada is supporting the growth of two innovative enterprises in the printing and labelling industries and helping create around 12 new jobs for the region's residents.

The announcement was made by Michel Picard, Member of Parliament for Montarville, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

Imprimerie Ste-Julie, a family business created 42 years ago, received $750,000 in funding for the acquisition of a flexographic press to increase its production capacity and productivity. This major investment will also help the company reduce paper wastage through increased efficiency. The press has eight high-precision colour stations, making it possible to print eight colours at a time and carry out various value-added procedures, such as adding varnish and gilding through a cold-stamping process. The equipment upgrade is part of a strategic investment phase the company has been undertaking for the past few years with a view to developing new markets.

MIIP has been granted $94,700 in financial assistance to commercialize its innovative products in the United States and Europe, notably its flagship product, the miipCam, a camera inspection system for the printing and labelling industries. This innovative product was developed in collaboration with Quebec businesses, including Imprimerie Ste-Julie, and is helping users reduce the consumption of paper and other substrates and enhance the efficiency and print quality of their presses. Through international trade shows, business prospecting trips and the development of promotional materials, MIIP is endeavouring to break into new markets to increase sales and continue to grow.

The funding, in the form of repayable contributions, has been granted through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), within the larger framework of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan.

Quotes

"Imprimerie Ste-Julie and MIIP, both of which are involved in the printing and labelling industries, have developed expertise by building on innovation. In making sure that their teams have access to the latest technologies to do their work, these two businesses can continue to grow and conquer new markets."

Michel Picard, Member of Parliament for Montarville  

"The government is committed to stimulating innovation to increase productivity and long-term competitiveness for our businesses and to ensure jobs and prosperity for Canadians. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success in that it generates growth that benefits our communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Imprimerie Ste-Julie has been a trailblazer in adhesive label and shrink sleeve printing for many years in Quebec. This major investment will help us maintain our enviable position as leader, while we continue to provide our clients with the best in the business. Our production capacity is also much greater because the new press can print up to 750 feet of paper per minute when working full tilt. This was an indispensable purchase, given the increasing demand over the past few years for packaging printing."

Marilène Fournier, Vice-President, Production, Imprimerie Ste-Julie

"Thanks to CED's assistance, MIIP can continue to grow by exporting its products to the United States."

Alex Gal, Co-founder and Vice-President, MIIP

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.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]