Atlantech Extrusion Expands

There is a new window of opportunity open in North Sydney. A manufacturer of vinyl window and door frames expanded with $649,992 in funding from the federal government, $400,000 from the provincial government and $610,000 from private-sector partners. The project created an additional 11 jobs at the plant, located in the Northside Industrial Park.

Atlantech Extrusion Inc. expanded its production capacity through the purchase of equipment to manufacture casement windows. The project involved the introduction of Kohler International Ltd.'s Can-Am casement window system to Atlantech's production facilities.

Federal funding breaks down as follows: the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provided a repayable contribution of $500,000 from Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.'s Business Development Program, and Human Resources Development Canada contributed $149,992 through the Transitional Jobs Fund. Atlantech Extrusion will provide $360,000 to complete the project.

The announcement was made by Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency/Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. Nova Scotia's investment was announced by Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.

"The government of Canada is pleased to be able to help a company that is entering its second decade of operation on the north side, with an expansion of its product line," said Senator Graham. "This project is proof that the federal government is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth in Nova Scotia."

"It's exciting to see the relationship Atlantech has forged with Kohler. Together, two Nova Scotia companies have created jobs and replaced imports with local products," said Mr. MacDonald. "They now have stronger positions in a growing North American market, with a 100 per cent made-in-Nova Scotia vinyl window."

Kohler International has been producing the well-known and respected Kohler Windows since 1982. The company will provide a $2-million annual market for the casement windows made by Atlantech. This represents an import substitution because Nova Scotia-based Kohler had been buying its profiles from outside the province.

The federal Transitional Jobs Fund promotes economic growth and employment in areas of high unemployment. The fund assists regions throughout Canada to develop long-term sustainable employment in areas that have good prospects for future growth.
Projects should also be consistent with regional economic development strategies.

This announcement is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.