Valley Firm Expands, Adds 60 Jobs

Bridgetown-based Britex Group, a manufacturer of elastic fabrics, is installing new equipment for making products for the world's clothing industry. The expansion will enable the company to export to new markets and add 60 jobs to its workforce by 2001.

"Competition in the fabric industry is fierce, and we're going head to head with much larger corporations from all over the world," said Britex president Sandy Archibald. "With this expansion, we'll be able to develop new products and properly manage our growing markets. It's going to make us more competitive."

The Britex expansion is being financed with the help of a $4.907-million loan from the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The investment was announced at the company plant in Bridgetown today by Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.

"Investments like this are investments in continued success," said Mr. MacDonald. "We're helping the company become more competitive, increase its exports and ensure continued work for the 200 Nova Scotians who work here. The new jobs will bring an economic boost to the community and the province as a whole."

Britex distributes its elastic products throughout North America and is increasing exports overseas. The company began operating at its Bridgetown plant in 1959. The current Nova Scotia owners bought the company in 1980 from American interests.

Economic Development and Tourism provides business counselling, export assistance and financial support to more than 900 Nova Scotia companies, 80 per cent of which are in rural areas of the province. These companies generate more than $2.5 billion in sales and $110 million in provincial tax revenues each year. The department's support helps these companies to become more competitive, create new jobs and increase exports.