The provincial government has committed $5 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support 10 manufacturing companies on Vancouver Island.
The province says the fund aims to create jobs, strengthen local economies and promote the development of “Made in British Columbia” products.
One of the largest recipients is Chemainus wood products manufacturer Ron Anderson & Sons, Inc. (RAS).
RAS specializes in the construction and installation of prefabricated wooden buildings, and the state has committed $2 million to support the company's expansion into a new factory, which will create 35 full-time jobs and expand the company's The product can now be extended to prefabricated floors and stairs. Roof panels also help meet the state's housing goals.
“Expanding and modernizing our Chemainus facility will not only create new jobs locally, but will also provide much-needed wooden housing across B.C.,” said Jack Downing, President and CEO. “and accelerate installations in an efficient and sustainable manner.” Thursday release of RAS.
Another Island company receiving funding is Cumberland-based Canadian Cultured Dairy. The company has received $500,000 to help transition to a new dairy manufacturing facility and purchase new automation equipment, which will increase production capacity and create nine jobs.
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Meanwhile, Rootside Provisions, a Nanaimo winery specializing in mead and aperitifs, received $156,000 to build a new production facility and upgrade equipment. The project is expected to triple the winery's production capacity and create six jobs.
“We are building resilient communities across the province and equipping B.C.'s people with a blueprint for a stronger, cleaner economic future,” B.C. Employment Minister Brenda Bailey said in a statement Thursday. “We are taking actions to keep it front and center.”
“By partnering with diverse manufacturers across Vancouver Island, we are supporting the growth of our local communities and strengthening our economy with quality, sustainable jobs,” she said.
A complete list of the 10 companies receiving funding is provided in the background information of the release.
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