Thetford Mines, Quebec – Acting on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L’Érable and Secretary of State for Agriculture, today announced the awarding of $100,000 in non-repayable funding to AmeriCan Structures Inc. This assistance will enable the firm to make strategic investments in the development of new export markets and thereby enhance its competitiveness.

AmeriCan Structures Inc. specializes in the manufacture of panelized wall systems and floor and roof truss systems for the building sector. The firm is looking to develop new markets in order to capitalize on growing demand in the United States.

“Productivity and innovation are challenges that are at the heart of the measures introduced in the recent budget tabled by Canada’s new government. On the entrepreneurial level, a series of new initiatives will now make it possible to reduce taxes on investment and eliminate the expansion barriers facing small and medium-sized businesses. In supporting this project from a dynamic, export-oriented firm, Canada’s new government is giving a positive boost to the L’Amiante economy. I am delighted to see that, thanks to the alliances it has forged with other enterprises in the region, AmeriCan Structures is serving as a catalyst for many industries in the RCM and bringing added value to the regional economy. In so doing, this firm is helping to increase the vitality of the entire Thetford Mines community,” stated Christian Paradis.

“We are pleased to place the know-how we have developed in the field of construction at the service of the American states that need it most. I am convinced that this support from Canada Economic Development, along with our commercialization efforts, will help us significantly increase our sales and improve the competitiveness and long-term viability of our firm,” added AmeriCan Structures Chief Executive Officer René Leclerc.

With this funding from Canada’s new government, AmeriCan Structures expects to create a minimum of eight full-time production jobs within the next year. Moreover, the company’s expansion will help further secondary wood processing activities in the region, a sector identified as a priority for Chaudière-Appalaches.