Rebuilding Business and Jobs in Rural Nova Scotia

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Rebuilding Business and Jobs in Rural Nova Scotia

Fire may have destroyed a Hants County box-making plant, but it will not put more than 40 people out of work. The province has agreed to help E & M Burgess Enterprises rebuild its manufacturing plant and expand its business.

The family-owned firm in Newport Station produced strawberry containers and apple baskets from 1990 until fire destroyed the manufacturing facility in October of 2004.

"The investment will bring jobs back to the community and help small business keep growing the rural economy," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage.

With the proceeds from insurance and assistance from government, owners Earl and Maria Burgess have chosen to restart and expand their operation. The province is supporting reconstruction with a $200,000 loan, which is expected to help the company increase production, margins and customers.

"Plant layout held back our ability to increase production," said owner-manager Earl Burgess, "but we know from recent marketing studies that a broader market exists for our product. My family and I are grateful to be able to bring our staff back to work and confident we will continue to contribute to the community as we expand sales further."

Construction of the new plant is expected to take about six weeks, beginning soon.

The province's loan is secured by the company's fixed assets and shareholder guarantees.