Two Companies Tap Into NDI Trust Rebate Program to Create Jobs

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:58 AM

Prince George, B.C. - Del-Tech Manufacturing Ltd. and BID Group partner, Nechako Mechanical Ltd., will be developing two new products to tap into the growing bioenergy market. The goal is to manufacture wood pellet-fired boiler systems that effectively compete with low emission European models.

“The Capital Investment and Training Rebate will support our company to engineer and manufacture pellet-fired boilers capable of competing with European systems in emission levels, while still providing optimal heat production per unit of fuel. There are components that we purchase out of the U.S. or Europe currently. We’re looking to manufacture all the components on site in Prince George,” BID Group Director of Operations Keith Spencer said. “The funding gives us the ability to go ahead with the work.”

In addition, the rebate funding has allowed Nechako Mechanical to proceed with an expansion to begin manufacturing heaters for hog fuel-burning thermal oil energy systems. Thermal oil energy systems are used primarily in drying kilns during wood product manufacturing. Currently, the BID Group cannot manufacture the heaters, which are a key component of the thermal oil systems.

“Number one, we’re going to be able to commit to a better delivery time to the customer. We’ll have more control on the supply,” Spencer said. “At the end of the day, it’ll reduce the cost and improve the service to the customer. It’s a win-win.” The two projects are expected to create 10 to 12 new jobs over the next two years and will require additional training for welders working for the companies.

City of Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers applauds the capital investment and workforce expansion announced today by Del-Tech. “Our city is well positioned to grow business with efficient approval processes and significantly lower development cost charges compared to other similar sized cities or metro Vancouver. We appreciate that the Northern BC Business Advantage programs offered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust allow our community to attract business investment and acknowledge how important manufacturing jobs are for this city.”

“Conifex Inc., a Fort St. James company that previously acquired the Pope & Talbot sawmill assets from the receivers was the first business to utilize Northern Development’s Capital Investment and Training Rebate Program. Conifex is planning to create approximately 260 jobs in Fort St. James in 2009.

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Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:58 AM in News by Submitted Article

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Comments

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on December 10 2008 12:32 PM

I know some of these people. Very talented and capable.

This wil put PG on the map and set a good example for others to look at what they do and how to do it locally, and then sell it world wide.

Posted by: Eagleone on December 10 2008 1:16 PM

So the NDI charter says only non-profit groups can access their funds... mostly community groups.

If I as a business wanted to access their funds I get turned away because I would like to make a profit... but if you have political connections and approach them they have different rules?

I wonder when the rules changed to allow for private for profit businesses to access the funds. I would have thought they would have made this public? Are there two set of rules?

I agree this is a good project, but I find it strange how the funding rules change when not for profit was etched in stone previously....

Posted by: Bridge on December 10 2008 3:10 PM

Hey Yama you like this, me too. Given the low realestate costs and taxes there are many light industry projects that could work in the City. Why are we always looking for foriegn investors or the government to keep create jobs. May be IPG should get their head out of the clouds to see where they are on the ground.

cheers

Posted by: DPJ on December 10 2008 10:41 PM

Good to see jobs being created in this economic crisis. In the past, Prince George has suffured big time during ecenomic slumps. This time, it is an economic disastor and Prince George is remarkably holding its own. Lets be thankful for this little "miracle in Prince George" and hoppe it continues.

Posted by: gus on December 10 2008 11:46 PM

Here is the info from the source eagleone .....
http://northerndevelopment.bc.ca/business-incentives/capital-investment-and-training-rebate

Here is more detail.
http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=13755

Looks like the above companies are not the first to take advantage of this.

I am not sure how this differs from past and existing programs that had/have similar incentives.

Anyway, sound good. Hopefully they will be able to do better than Woodland with their windows and doors. We need much more of this kind of manufacturing here.

Posted by: northman on December 11 2008 8:06 AM

Ahhhhh yes finaly some good news lately..Progress is good.. Cheers!