Government of Canada grants $100,000 in funding to Techno Métal Services Inc.

January 23, 2008

L’honorable Christian Paradis, Mario Thivierge, Étienne St-Laurent, président, Alain Labranche, Clément Binet, vice-président et Daniel Thivierge.

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 that the firm Techno Métal Services Inc. will receive $100,000 in repayable funding to acquire equipment needed to launch its manufacturing operations. This project will require a total investment of $538,500 and result in the creation of four jobs.

Based in Thetford Mines, Techno Métal Services specializes in the manufacture of metal components for screw piles used to support permanent structures. The project also involves modernizing the company's manufacturing processes, which should translate into enhanced productivity.

“Through their diversity and dynamism, small and medium-sized enterprises contribute to the wealth of the Canadian economy and play a significant part in fostering the vitality of numerous Quebec communities. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to helping these businesses improve their productivity, a key factor in ensuring their success in the marketplace. This Techno Métal Services project is consistent on all fronts with one of the objectives laid out in the Advantage Canada strategic plan, namely to build a strong economy capable of ensuring all Canadians a better quality of life,” stated Mr. Paradis.

“The activities of this new metal processing firm will help diversify the economic base of the L'Amiante RCM and promote the creation of sustainable jobs in the area. This project is a fine example of the efforts our SMEs are making to adjust to the new global economy, where innovation and high value-added products are taking centre stage,“ Minister Blackburn noted.

“This support from Canada Economic Development will enable us to begin manufacturing pile components and better meet the needs and requirements of Techno Pieux Inc., a related company that is present on a great many markets, including abroad. In short, this project will contribute to the consolidation and growth of two Thetford Mines companies and allow them to move confidently into the future,” explained Techno Métal Services President Étienne St-Laurent.