| Glass manufacturing plant to create 120 new jobs in Edmundston Dec. 11, 2000 EDMUNDSTON (CNB) -- Prelco Inc., one of the top manufacturers of safety glass products in Canada, will establish a plant in Edmundston, a move expected to create 120 new jobs over three years. On hand for the announcement today were Premier Bernard Lord; Jeannot Castonguay (MP-elect, Madawaska-Restigouche); Prelco Inc. president and CEO Roger Lavoie; and Madeleine Dubé (MLA-Edmundston). Prelco Inc., a subsidiary of Quebec-based Prelsecur Inc., will construct a new $8.8 million, 7,500 sq. m. (80,000 sq. ft.) state-of-the-art value-added glass-tempering facility in Edmundston. "This announcement is a good example of how government can help business by creating an environment to support business growth in every region of the province," Lord said. "The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger and economically sustainable communities throughout Canada," said Jeannot Castonguay, (MP-elect, Madawaska-Restigouche), speaking on behalf of federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The ACOA Business Development Program, which helps companies like this acquire investment capital to become established and expand, is a key instrument in community economic development in Atlantic Canada." Lavoie said the province of New Brunswick provided an ideal environment for expanding its operations. "We are certainly anxious to complete the construction side of the project in the spring of 2001, and begin production to meet the growing demand for our product in Canada and the United States." Operating since 1954, Prelco produces tempered glass for the construction and automotive industries. Products are sold in Quebec, Ontario, United States and the Maritime provinces. Prelco's clients include Volvo and Bombardier. MEDIA CONTACTS: Amanda Harpelle, director of communications, Office of the Premier, 506-453-2144; John White, director of communications, Investment and Exports, 506-457-7340; Paul LeBlanc, communications, ACOA, 506-452-3310; Jean François Hamel, vice-president, Prelco Inc., 418-862-2274. |