New jobs coming to box plant in Borden-Carleton
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 | 3:32 PM AT
CBC News
Innovation Minister Allan Campbell and Master Packaging CEO Mary Jean Irving toured the plant after the announcement. (CBC)Master Packaging launched a $19.3-million expansion to its plant at the foot of P.E.I.'s Confederation Bridge on Wednesday.
The 70,500-square-foot addition will house a state-of-the-art lithographic press, said company CEO Mary Jean Irving. It is expected to increase annual production at the plant, which makes corrugated boxes, by about 50 per cent and will mean the creation of 20 to 25 new full-time jobs.
"It is almost 13 years since Master Packaging first began operating at Borden with 20 employees. Today, we have grown to employ almost 130 Islanders," said Irving in a news release.
"Their commitment to superior quality products and service has enabled Master Packaging to become an internationally award winning leader, serving some of North America's most familiar brand names … This summer, we look forward to celebrating the opening of the new building which will make Master Packaging one of the most modern carton plants in Canada and the largest in Atlantic Canada."
P.E.I. is putting up a $14.5-million loan to help pay for the expansion.
Innovation Minister Allan Campbell said the construction will provide significant economic spinoffs for Island businesses. Fifty-three Island companies have been contracted to provide goods or services to complete the construction, which is already underway.
