Expansion on Horizon for Dartmouth-based Cherubini Metal Works

One of Atlantic Canada's largest steel fabrication companies is expanding its operations and creating new jobs with support from the province.

The province, through NSBI, is providing a $15.1-million term loan as part of jobsHere, Nova Scotia's economic growth plan.

"The province is proud to work with companies like Cherubini that are making important investments to compete on a global stage," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This investment will increase the company's capacity to take on more projects, helping create high-value jobs and grow the economy. That's what jobsHere is all about."

The company is investing $4 million in the expansion project. Cherubini's plans include increasing the size of its Woodside facility and constructing a second facility nearby. This expansion will further the company's growth into civil structure fabrication, which includes projects such as tidal turbine pieces and large duct systems. It will bring manufacturing capabilities to Cherubini, and to the province, that hadn't existed here.

"Cherubini has worked hard to become a global competitor in the manufacturing industry from right here in Nova Scotia," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "With a clear goal to take on more projects, the company is committed to increasing productivity, and becoming more innovative and competitive."

Cherubini currently employs 151 workers. With the expansion, the company could, potentially, grow to a workforce of 274 employees.

"This expansion, along with the support of the province, is helping us take our company to the next level of growth," said Stephen Ross, general manager of Cherubini Metal Works Ltd. "Our goal is to continue to be a niche competitor in export markets worldwide while remaining a strong company here at home."

Operating since 1967, Cherubini specializes in fabricating bridgework and large-project heavy civil structures. The company sells its products to customers in the United States, Caribbean and other Canadian provinces.

"Goods and services produced in Nova Scotia need to compete with the best in the world," said Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "Cherubini is a great example of a company whose work internationally is helping put this province on the map."

Beginning as a small metal fabrication plant almost 45 years ago, Cherubini Metal Works now generates annual sales in excess of $45 million. Cherubini's production facilities use advanced computer numerically controlled fabrication equipment to produce high-quality heavy and light structural steel, bridges, platework, pressure vessels, transmission towers and miscellaneous fabrications in Canada and around the world.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia's private-sector-led business development agency. NSBI is the investment attraction arm of the province and helps businesses in Nova Scotia meet their growth potential through trade development, financing and venture capital. For more information, visit www.nsbi.ca and follow online at www.nsbi.ca/connect .