Construction of a new 70,000 square foot manufacturing space has begun at Master Packaging which will increase the annual output of the Borden, PEI box plant by about 50%.
The new building will house state-of-the-art lithographic press technology and will initially create between 20 and 25 new full-time jobs and over $1 million in related payroll once the new technology is operational.
The $19.3 million project will provide over 48,000 work hours of construction. Fifty-three (53) Island companies have been contracted to provide goods or services to complete the new expansion.
“Master Packaging is a well-established successful business and the Government of PEI is pleased to support its growth and expansion with a repayable loan,” said Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.
“This expansion will create sustainable economic development for Islanders and Island companies,” said Minister Campbell. “Up to 25 new highly-skilled, well-paying jobs will be created and there will be significant economic spin-offs for Island companies,” said Minister Campbell.
“This is great news for our employees and the community of Borden-Carleton where we are very proud to live and work,” said Mary-Jean Irving, CEO of Master Packaging. “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. 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.”
“Today’s announcement is the best tribute to the hard work and dedication of our Borden team and will allow our company to open up new markets with this new technology. We appreciate the vote of confidence from Minister Campbell and the Province of Prince Edward Island through a fully repayable, interest-bearing loan which enables this project – and the related jobs and work for local contractors – to happen sooner. 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,” Irving said.
Master Packaging is Eastern Canada’s largest full-service packaging company and has its roots in Borden, PEI. The company’s dedicated team of over 325 employees in Borden and Charlottetown, PEI as well as Dieppe, NB proudly service the packaging requirements of valued customers located in throughout the Atlantic Provinces, the U.S. Northeast and Central Canadian marketplaces. Master Packaging has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, most notably gold (first place) honours from the Flexographic Technology Association (FTA) of North America for “Technical Achievement Exemplifying the Finest Capabilities of Flexographic Printing.”