N.S. Firm Opens Plant in Cornwallis

A manufacturer of fibreglass products has expanded its operation into Cornwallis. The new plant will enable Fundy Fiberglass to increase production and target new export markets.

"This wonderful new facility gives us much needed production and storage space," said company president Barry O'Neil. "Now we can aggressively pursue markets in the United States and the United Kingdom."

Fundy Fiberglass produces and markets a wide range of products, from Victorian-style bathtubs and monuments to ambulance tops and all-terrain vehicles. "Our fibreglass panels have even been used to build virtual-reality chambers for NASA's space museum," said Mr. O'Neil.

Both the provincial and federal governments are assisting the expansion. The government of Nova Scotia is lending the company $250,000 and investing $96,400 through preferred shares. The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has provided an interest-free loan of about $215,000 to help in marketing and equipment purchases.

"Fundy Fiberglass is an energetic young company," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, who was in Cornwallis for today's announcement. "These people are real innovators in the products they make and they're aggressive marketers. The province is pleased to help Nova Scotian companies like this do business with the world."

Although unable to attend the event, 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 ACOA, said: "The federal government is pleased to have been able to assist Fundy Fiberglass in its move to its expanded facilities and with marketing its product line. This company is also benefiting from the infrastructure Cornwallis Park offers the local community."

Fundy Fiberglass began operating in 1981 as a boat-building and repair facility. Today, it exports to the United States and throughout Canada and employs seven people. Company officials will travel to Atlanta on a provincial trade mission this fall.