New Jobs for Lunenburg Manufacturing Plant

A $6-million expansion at the Composites Atlantic facility in Lunenburg will create at least 60 new jobs. The expansion allows the firm to become a long-term supplier to Airbus and capitalizes on newly secured European contracts as an original equipment manufacturer.

The province of Nova Scotia is matching the company's $3 million contribution for the expansion over a three-year period. The new jobs will add another $3 million in wages and benefits to the existing $5.2-million payroll.

"This is a strategic and sound investment in rural Nova Scotia," Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage said today, May 31. "Composites is a proven success story, growing from 10 employees in 1993 to 170 today. The expanded facility is well-positioned for future growth and proof that commercial success and a rural setting can go hand-in-hand."

"The company is growing in Nova Scotia as a result of our partnership with the government and the talent and dedication of our workforce," said Composites Atlantic chair, Francois Tauzin. "Our new plant and laboratory facilities will help streamline operations and increase our capacity and exports."

Composites Atlantic manufactures composite materials and assemblies for use in the aircraft, aerospace and defence industries. The company is owned by the EADS group, a European conglomerate that manufacturers the Airbus line of aircraft, plus helicopters, satellite and missile and defence systems.

The expansion funds will be used for buildings and equipment and development costs for Airbus contracts involving parts such as instrument panels and strut components.

An additional innovation incentive of $416,500 is conditional upon the company achieving the expansion's job targets. The province's $3-million investment is secured by a position in preferred shares and a repayable loan.