Province Supports Family-owned Forestry Company

A rural lumber mill will receive a government investment for working capital after modernizing operations.

J.A. Turner & Sons, a 40-year-old family-owned business near Bridgewater, employs 15 people with an annual payroll of $375,000, annual sales of $1.8 million and creates a number of indirect jobs. The company will receive a $300,000 repayable loan through the Industrial Expansion Fund.

"The government of Nova Scotia continues to invest in our rural communities and businesses to help improve their competitiveness and also to help maintain and create jobs," says Minister of Economic Development Angus MacIsaac.

"This investment is another example of how the Industrial Expansion Fund supports economic development and helps create a prosperous and sustainable business climate for Nova Scotia."

J.A. Turner & Sons produces green lumber and specialty products from spruce, hemlock and pine for local and niche markets. The company's involvement with ecologically sourced wood helps distinguish it from larger operations.

"The recent modernization and diversification of our operations has increased our productivity and efficiency," says Wade Turner, general manager, J.A. Turner & Sons. "This government investment will assist us with working capital and maintaining our valuable jobs."

The Industrial Expansion Fund is one method the government of Nova Scotia uses to support economic development in the province. It is key to helping industries involved in innovative research and technology, while contributing to a prosperous and sustainable business climate for Nova Scotia. The fund has considerable flexibility in the amount and type of funding it can provide.