March 26, 2019 – Clair, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The ability of small and medium-sized businesses to innovate, grow, and generate value-added opportunities in resource-based industries such as fisheries, forestry, and agriculture is critical to building a strong and sustainable economy in Atlantic Canada. With the introduction of new automated technology, Fiready Inc. will improve its production line efficiency, increasing output to meet growing client demand.
For twenty years, Fiready Inc. has produced and packaged firewood for clients in Eastern Canada and the United States. Capitalizing on the latest technology, it is now introducing automated bagging equipment into its production line. This will help the company continue to grow and bring economic benefits to the region.
The Government of Canada is contributing $303,250 towards the new equipment. René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Ian Clair, Production Manager with Fiready Inc., made the announcement today.
This project aligns with the priorities of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which is committed to driving economic growth in the region by supporting small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) with innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies, enabling them increase sales, expand operations, and remain competitive in the global economy.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting growth and innovation in small and medium-sized businesses, recognizing the important contribution these companies make to their communities and their regional economies. Companies like Fiready that are investing in advanced technology to increase their productivity play a tremendous role in the creation of good jobs and a thriving middle class."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Fiready has been contributing to the regional economy for twenty years, and I am very pleased to see the Government of Canada's support for this company as it moves forward with an investment in new automated equipment. The company's willingness to invest in the latest technologies will help it increase productivity, spur growth, and continue to meet client demand. We are very fortunate to have such a forward-thinking company operating here in Clair. "
- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche
"Fiready is working to meet growing client demand. This project will allow us to augment our drying capacity while simultaneously reducing energy costs. New automated equipment will increase productivity and create safer, ergonomic working conditions. We are grateful to ACOA for its confidence and support of this project."
- Ian Clair, Production Manager, Fiready Inc.
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada made a repayable contribution of $303,250 in this project through ACOA's Business Development Program (BDP).
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The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations.
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The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
