Plastics Firm to Expand in Truro

Intertape Polymer is about to undergo a significant expansion. The international plastics firm has selected its Truro plant as the site of a $16.6-million expansion project.

"The new facility will enable us to increase our product line and improve productivity on the things we're already making," said Richard Gerrior, operations manager at Intertape Polymer, Truro. "It will bring immediate benefits to our Nova Scotia operation and ensure the plant's long-term growth."

The 4,300-square-metre (46,000-square-foot) facility will give Intertape Polymer the capacity and the technical capability to pursue new markets. The new technology will enable the company to further develop alternatives to vinyl products now used in awnings, tarpaulins, and billboard signs.

The project will include a $2.4-million building expansion, $12.7 million in new machinery and equipment, and $1.5 million in process modifications.

"We could have expanded any one of our 12 locations throughout the world," said Mr. Gerrior. "Truro won out for three reasons: we have experienced and dedicated employees, our R and D is located here, and the support of the province helped to make the Truro plant our number one choice for expansion."

The province of Nova Scotia is providing the company with $200,000 in financial assistance to help it with hiring and training new employees. The jobs must be maintained for three years. Intertape Polymer will also benefit from the province's 30 per cent manufacturing and processing investment tax credit. The province will recoup its investment through payroll taxes in the first year.

"This expansion will create manufacturing jobs and provide tremendous economic spinoffs for the Colchester area," said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Manning MacDonald. "The project will also directly boost Nova Scotia's exports by $20 million a year." Currently, 90 per cent of the company's products are shipped outside of the Province.

Intertape Polymer was established in 1968 and employs about 400 Nova Scotians. It operates 12 sites throughout North America. The company expects to have the new facility up and running by July, 1999.