As a result of a trade mission last May by Prince Edward Island Business Development to Alberta, Charlottetown Metal Products (CMP), a leading manufacturer of food processing equipment, signed its first contract to supply equipment for the ethanol industry. The 45-foot tank is an ethanol absorber and is a part of the processing system required for the production of ethanol. This unit was sold to Premolex Inc. in Red Deer, Alberta.
Premier Pat Binns and Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Jamie Ballem toured the Milton manufacturing plant last month to view the ethanol system that was exported to the company in Alberta.
“CMP understands the value of trade missions,” said Premier Pat Binns. “The Charlottetown company has recognized the importance of meeting with organizations face to face and seizing opportunities that arise to achieve new levels of success with their business potential. Exploring new opportunities within our own country leads to promising business ventures closer to home.”
CMP views the ethanol industry as an opportunity to expand its product line to complement its existing lines.
“Trade missions have produced results for CMP and this one to Alberta, led by Prince Edward Island Business Development, was no exception,” said Wendell MacDonald, General Manager of CMP. “The project that developed as a result of the Alberta mission proved to be within the scope of CMP’s fabrication capabilities and was considered quite successful. As a result, we are now pursuing other pending ethanol plants that are in the planning stages across Canada and the United States, as there are many components in the overall process that we can manufacture.”
Fueled by growth in the shellfish industry worldwide, CMP is rapidly expanding its exports by developing niche markets for highly specialized processing equipment.
Charlottetown Metal Products employs 35 people when at full production. When the Island manufacturer exports a processing system, a qualified crew goes to set up the system on site and ensures it is fully operational before returning to PEI.
“Having a job here at home means I can live, work and raise my family here,” said Todd Cormier from CMP. “With new contracts signed for our products, like this ethanol absorber for example, I am ensured a rewarding and challenging career with an Island-based company. PEI is where I want to be, and I didn’t have to move elsewhere to find the opportunities I can find by working at CMP.”
For more information on trade missions, please contact the PEI Business Development Inc. at (902) 368-6300 or visit our website at www.peibusinessdevelopment.com.
PEI Business Development Inc. and Technology PEI work with businesses in Prince Edward Island to strengthen and expand the provincial economy through business development. Adding value and generating wealth, PEI Business Development and Technology PEI offer a diverse range of programs and services to Island-based businesses.