Perlite Canada Inc., a company specializing in the production, processing, and manufacturing of expanded perlite and exfoliated vermiculite, officially opened its plant today in Lamèque. The establishment of this new enterprise has created ten new jobs in the area.

"The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is proud to invest in a company like Perlite Canada, which is creating employment in the Acadian Peninsula area," stated the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for ACOA. "The company, a leader in its field, will be a welcomed boost to the area's economy, particularly in the peat resource sector, which is a rapidly growing sector in Canada, as well as in the United States and South America."

Perlite and vermiculite are minerals that are used in both the horticultural and industrial sectors, namely by peat producers. The last few years saw an increase in sales of these minerals and the development of peat resources in New Brunswick. The construction of Perlite Canada's 10,000﷓square foot plant, in Lamèque, began in May 2001 and has been operational since November 2001.

"The decision by Perlite Canada's Board of Directors to open a new perlite and vermiculite production plant in New Brunswick reflects the company's solid commitment to move closer to its clients in eastern Canada in order to be able to offer them top quality products at a lower cost. Perlite Canada wants to move forward with its development goals by moving closer to its peat-producing clients," stated the President and Chief Executive Officer of Perlite Canada Inc., Mr. Richard Barabé.

Perlite Canada Inc., whose head office is located in Montreal, also owns a second production plant in Baie-du- Fèbvre in Quebec, which employs some twenty workers. Perlite Canada's plant in Lamèque has created employment for ten specialized, full-time technicians, who have been trained by the company. Indirect economic spinoffs, such as the creation of other jobs in the transportation, energy and purchasing sectors are anticipated as a result of the project.

ACOA, through its Business Development Program, has provided an interest-free loan to Perlite Canada Inc. of $257,016 for the project.

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 957-9959

Stéphanie Bilodeau
Communications Officer, 
ACOA NB
(506) 452-3304

Richard Barabé, Eng.
Perlite Canada Inc., 
Head Office
(514) 336-6665

Jules Mercier 
Perlite Canada Inc, 
Lamèque Plant
(506) 344-2220