Minas Basin Pulp and Power Expands

Minas Basin Pulp and Power is expanding again. The ISO-certified company is introducing an advanced paper machine to increase production and improve the quality of the company's paperboard product.

Company president Scott Travers said the expansion will secure 75 jobs and help the company increase exports.

"This is a major investment in the future of the company, the town, our employees and the environment," said Mr. Travers. "The project will enable us to build on our existing environmental strengths and open up new markets for our linerboard products."

Minas Basin Pulp and Power produces 100 per cent recycled paperboard products. Paperboard is the outer and inner sheets that sandwich the corrugated component of cardboard.

"The people at Minas Basin Pulp and Power have successfully married their business interests with environmental responsibility," said Justice Minister Robbie Harrison, on behalf of Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "Not only is this company the province's largest recycler, it is also a major employer in this area and a committed player in strengthening Nova Scotia's economy."

Economic Development and Tourism is providing a $9.3-million loan and a $3-million contribution toward the project. The $3 million will be advanced to the company over four years, and only after the jobs have been maintained and the tax revenues have been generated. Direct and indirect tax revenues for the province will amount to $4.4 million.

"This major investment in the future of the company and jobs for our people would not have happened without the commitment of our stakeholders and the province," said Mr. Travers.

"This expansion and the support of the province are keeping 75 of our workers in good jobs, creating wealth for the area," said Laurie Crowell, president of Local 583, the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

"I cannot think of anything more encouraging and positive for the town than this project," said Hantsport Mayor Wayne Folker. "This is good news for our mill, for our community and for our province."

Economic Development and Tourism provides business counselling, export assistance, and financial support to more than 900 Nova Scotia companies, 80 per cent of them in rural areas. These companies generate more than $1 billion in sales and $45 million in tax revenues each year. The department helps these companies to become more competitive, create and maintain jobs and increase exports, all necessary for a growing economy.

Minas Basin Pulp and Power opened in 1928, and is a subsidiary of Minas Basin Holdings. In 1995, it underwent a $32-million expansion, funded solely by the company. The pulp and power company received its ISO 9002 certification in 1994.