Loan Helps Maintain Rural Manufacturing Jobs

A loan from the province is helping a rural manufacturer maintain jobs and continue to export its products throughout the Maritimes and the United States.

E & M Burgess Enterprises Limited makes traditional wooden baskets of various sizes and shapes for apples, strawberries and other farm produce. Its baskets are also used by the fishing industry. The family-run company in Newport Station, Hants Co., has been in business for almost 20 years and employs 36 people.

"E & M Burgess is a rural, Nova Scotian company expanding its exports to markets in Canada and the United States," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development. "This loan is an investment in its future success and in rural Nova Scotia."

In the past few years, the company has rebounded from a devastating fire at the plant to reach its highest production levels, expand its product lines and acquire new contracts.

The 10-year, interest-bearing loan is from the province's Industrial Expansion Fund. The loan will help the company meet its contract obligations and develop its export business.

As a result of the world-wide economic and credit crisis, successful companies operating in Nova Scotia are experiencing challenges accessing capital from banks. With the Industrial Expansion Fund, the government of Nova Scotia is able to provide access to capital and help protect jobs and support businesses to be more competitive and sustainable.