Shelburne Manufacturer's Future Reflects Victorian Designs

Terry Hawkins Industries, a rural manufacturer of Victorian replica bath fittings, is expanding production and expects to hire 30 new employees over the next five years.

The Office of Economic Development is providing a $160,000 repayable loan towards the $700,000 expansion. New equipment and improved facilities will allow the company to widen its product line to include replica Victorian bathtubs and other specialty items.

"The additional production means new jobs for local workers," said Economic Development Minister Richard Hurlburt. "We are pleased that we can help this company expand in an area where skilled workers who are looking for employment can train for these new jobs."

The company began operations in 2005 and has 11 employees. It has steadily increased its client base, and now has a North American distributor.

"This expansion is important to the company's continued growth," said company president Terry Hawkins. "With the financial assistance provided by the province, we will be able to win new contracts and expand our markets."

Terry Hawkins Industries has secured orders and expressions of interest for replica Victorian products and a new pultrusion machine, used for the manufacture of composite fibreglass materials, has been installed. The company expects to ramp up production once the expansion is complete and employees are trained.

In addition to the distribution deal, the company is considering developing a catalogue and an e-commerce website so they can sell directly to consumers.

Construction on the expansion has begun and is expected to be complete by the end of February 2007.

The provincial funding is a repayable loan by the Industrial Expansion Fund. With a return on investment of three dollars for every dollar spent, the fund has helped create or maintain more than 3,000 jobs in the province over the past two years.