Pewter Goes Gold in Cumberland Co.

Blue Mist Pewter is building a polished image when it comes to exporting. Business is booming for the Cumberland County company, and a $200,000 loan guarantee from Economic Development and Tourism is helping it expand to meet increasing orders.

Blue Mist Pewter had a change of ownership in July 1997 and is quickly adding new clients to a list of loyal existing ones. Rapidly growing sales have enabled the company to grow from two to 20 full-time employees in less than a year. The company expects its workforce to expand to 40 full-time workers within 18 months.

"We're delighted to support a company that is exporting Nova Scotia quality and creating jobs at home as a result. Rural Nova Scotia is a great place to do business, with easy access to world markets and a quality workforce," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "Blue Mist is proof that quality, determination, and aggressive marketing are a winning combination,"

"This has taken off way faster than I anticipated. . . we're writing up big orders," said Herb Shannon, owner of Blue Mist Pewter. Mr. Shannon has been travelling to trade shows across North America since Jan. 2, and has had considerable success.

"I have 14 agents in Canada, and thanks to Economic Development and Tourism's help at the Atlanta show, I hired another 25 agents in Ohio and the Eastern Seaboard of the United States."

New equipment purchases will help Blue Mist Pewter to expand quicker than previously expected, and fulfill more export orders. The company is already exporting to the United States, Australia, Ecuador, and could soon add Hong Kong to the list.

The craft and giftware market in Atlantic Canada is estimated at $250 million a year. The pewter industry is about one fifth of that. Nova Scotia currently exports between $50 and $60 million of crafts and giftware a year.