Master Packaging Inc. (MPI), through assistance from the Government of Prince Edward Island, will be expanding production capacity to meet increasing customer demand, resulting in the creation of 24 new jobs in rural Prince Edward Island, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“MPI is a growing manufacturer that serves valued Island customers and exports throughout North America,” said Premier Ghiz. “This project fits well in the Province’s economic development goals to accelerate the growth and expansion of the manufacturing and export sectors.”
The Government of Prince Edward Island, through Finance PEI, is assisting with a $7.1 million interest bearing, repayable loan to increase production capacity of the plant through the purchase of new equipment. This investment will enable the company to meet growing customer demand and expand to serve new customers in the marketplace. In addition, the company will build a new state-of-the-art employee training facility. MPI has been a major employer in Prince County for the past 17 years, currently providing 168 year round full-time positions.
“Today we are not only investing in 24 new jobs and the best equipment to expand our capacity and markets, we are also investing in a new training facility to develop the skills of our employees and improve our productivity,” said Mary Jean Irving, President and CEO of Master Packaging. “The training facility will be equipped with computer labs where employees will take advantage of international webinars and be the first in Canada and North America to train for – and achieve – the world class, independent, professional designation for Flexographic printing. This training will enhance the international award winning efforts of the Master Packaging team here in Borden.”
“I am very proud of the dedicated workforce that has grown the company and our reputation for quality and service to valued customers. The Province has been a vital partner in achieving this success. From the beginning the Premier has been a great champion of skilled manufacturing jobs on PEI,” Ms. Irving said. “We appreciate the vote of confidence Premier Ghiz and his government has given the men and women at Master Packaging in Borden.”
Master Packaging is Eastern Canada’s largest and the Maritimes only full-service corrugated and folding carton packaging company and has its roots in Borden, Prince Edward Island. Today, the company’s dedicated team of over 369 employees in Borden and Charlottetown, as well as Dieppe, New Brunswick proudly service the packaging requirements of valued customers located throughout the Atlantic Provinces, the U.S. and Central Canadian marketplaces. Master Packaging has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, most recently two gold (first place) honours and a silver award this year from the Flexographic Technology Association (FTA) of North America – in competition with larger global players – for “Technical Achievement Exemplifying the Finest Capabilities of Flexographic Printing.