Clothing Manufacturer Attracted to Yarmouth

Yarmouth's historic ties to the textile industry are behind a Toronto clothing company's decision to set up shop in Nova Scotia.

Able Clothing Gear Inc., a producer of active sportswear, will bring a payroll of almost $1 million to the town and create at least 60 jobs by 2006. It began operations in June and already employs 19 people.

"Yarmouth is simply the best place for this expansion. It has a great business climate and a skilled workforce," said owner Phoebus Wong. "The Yarmouth project will enable our company to expand capacity and service levels, particularly in safety textile and clothing products to the US market."

Able Clothing is investing about $3.5 million in the project.

The government of Nova Scotia will provide up to $350,000 to the operation by way of a payroll rebate. The company must create and maintain the jobs before any taxpayer money is invested. At the end of each fiscal year, the province will rebate a portion of the tax revenues generated through the jobs the company has created.

The company's payroll will generate more new tax revenues for provincial coffers than the rebate pays to the company. The average rebate cost per job at the new centre is about $5,800; the maximum rebate, based on 60 jobs, is $350,000. The province will earn new direct and spinoff revenues of at least $750,000 through the payroll rebate agreement.

"Able Clothing has a proven track record within the textile industry," said Yarmouth MLA Richard Hurlburt on behalf of Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "Mr. Wong has owned and operated two other textile businesses for more than 12 years. We are confident that this represents a viable and sustainable addition to the region's economy."

Able Clothing has been in operation in Ontario for four years and employs 100 people. Phoebus Wong is the president of the Chinese Canadian Garment and Textile Manufacturer and Marketers Association, and was voted one of Ontario's top 100 entrepreneurs in 1995. His company's products include men's and ladies' swimwear, underwear, insulated winter outerwear jackets and pants.