Polysteel Atlantic upgrades to meet growing demand

The manufacturing sector employs thousands of Atlantic Canadians and is a key economic driver. The Government of Canada is committed to helping manufacturing companies adopt the technology, processes, and equipment they need to increase productivity, improve operations, and compete globally. In Edwardsville, a recognized leader in the synthetic rope industry is gearing up to increase efficiency.

February 4, 2021 · Edwardsville, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The manufacturing sector employs thousands of Atlantic Canadians and is a key economic driver. The Government of Canada is committed to helping manufacturing companies adopt the technology, processes, and equipment they need to increase productivity, improve operations, and compete globally. In Edwardsville, a recognized leader in the synthetic rope industry is gearing up to increase efficiency.

Federal government supports competitive manufacturing

Today, Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced a repayable contribution of $204,000 to Polysteel Atlantic Limited for equipment and automation upgrades to its manufacturing line and control systems. The improvements will allow the Cape Breton company to streamline production, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver high-quality products for other important industries like aquaculture and commercial fisheries

Strategic investments like this one help companies expand their markets and grow their competitive advantages - protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and positioning Atlantic Canada as a manufacturing leader.

"Atlantic Canadian manufacturers make essential and innovative products that are in high demand at home and around the world. ACOA's investments in advanced equipment and manufacturing processes demonstrate our government's commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile manufacturing sector."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

"Supporting Polysteel Atlantic means supporting local products, local jobs and local communities. It also means supporting the industries that rely on Polysteel Atlantic's products, such as the Canadian aquaculture industry and commercial fishing industry. Our economy is an ecosystem, and a strong manufacturing sector is fundamental to the health of that ecosystem."

- Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria

"Investing in the modernization of existing equipment will result in greater production efficiencies and improve our ability to compete in a global market. With a significant portion of our sales being derived from export sales, this project is an important contributing factor to the long term success of our operation. "

- Sean Burke, President, Polysteel Atlantic

• Polysteel Atlantic Ltd. manufactures uniquely designed high strength synthetic rope. Its facilities can produce up to six million pounds of rope per year.

• The project's federal support is through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

• Nova Scotia's manufacturing sector employs about 40,000 people.