News Release

For immediate release April 25, 2003


SCOTSBURN DAIRY EXPANDS WITH CBGF and ECBC ASSISTANCE

SYDNEY, N.S. -- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Cape Breton Growth Fund (CBGF), along with the Honourable Cecil Clarke, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic Development announced today funding to construct a plastic   bottle-moulding facility in Sydney, N.S.

Scotsburn Co-operative Services Limited is expanding its Sydney location to house a high-density poly ethylene (HDPE) plastic bottle blow moulding facility. The 15,000 square foot expansion will include both a manufacturing and a storage warehouse that will enable the plant to manufacture plastic containers in sizes from 250ml to 4-litres.

"We are pleased to be a partner in helping Scotsburn expand and create even more opportunities for Cape Breton residents and businesses, " said 
Cecil P. Clarke, Minister of Economic Development. "Helping Cape Breton Island grow and prosper is a key component of the province's economic growth strategy. And, the growth fund is helping us deliver on that strategy." 

“Scotsburn is a solid business with a strong community presence,” says 
Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria. “While they presently employ over 130 people, this expansion will increase that number, enhance the capabilities of the existing plant and ensure the operation’s future in 
Cape Breton.”

“Our customers have embraced the emergence of plastic milk containers,” said Scotsburn President and CEO, James MacConnell. “Currently we transport plastic jugs into the Sydney plant for processing and distribution. The new blow-mould will allow Scotsburn to produce our own plastic containers, which will reduce costs, improve competitiveness and ensure the long-term viability of the Sydney plant.”The total estimated cost of the project is $4,480,000. The Cape Breton Growth Fund will make a repayable contribution of $1.5 million. ECBC will provide both a repayable and non-repayable contribution totalling $740,000. The project is expected to create 12 full-time jobs. 

Scotsburn Co-operative Services Limited is a 102-year old cooperative whose main business is processing, manufacturing and distributing dairy products in the Canadian marketplace. The Scotsburn Dairy Group is the largest dairy in Atlantic Canada, processing products in nine locations and employing 600   full-time and approximately 200 part-time employees. 

The CBGF is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia with a mandate to assist in the transition of the Cape Breton economy.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan 
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne 
Minister of State 
Tel: (613) 941-7241

D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-3617

Barbara Stead-Coyle
CBGF Communications
Tel: (902) 564-3617

Mary Anna Jollymore
NS Department of Economic Development
Tel: (902) 424-8922

Mr. James MacConnell
President and CEO
Scotsburn Co-operative Services Limited
Tel: (902) 485-4626