The provincial government has announced new support for manufacturing jobs in the Fraser Valley.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, the province is contributing as much as $6 million through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to help create 108 jobs in the valley.
AE Concrete in Seabird Island (Sq'éwqel) will receive as much as $4.5 million to help construct a new facility in the Seabird Island Industrial Park as the park's first tenant. The funding will allow the company to expand their product offerings to help build new commercial and residential property. The province estimates this will help create 40 local jobs.
"We’re excited about our new home on Seabird Island and our partnership with the Sq'éwqel First Nation," stated AE Concrete president Ian Graham. "It provides a foundation upon which to grow our business, while creating new employment opportunities for the community."
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon joined a tour of AE Concrete on Thursday, applauding the company on the jobs they have created for the area to date and their potential strong impact on the local economy.
"Investments like this bring new equipment and opportunities, and expand the capabilities of our local businesses," she stated. "These exciting projects are creating and strengthening jobs that will help sustain these communities for generations to come."
Sq'éwqel Development Corporation CEO Nigel Selvadurai said the funding for AE Concrete marks a significant milestone for the local industrial park.
"This partnership brings critical infrastructure, economic growth and employment opportunities to our community," he stated. "We look forward to the development and success this funding will bring for both AE Concrete and (the Sq'éwqel) people.”
The province will also invest up to $1.1 million in Abbotsford-based Columbia Kitchen Cabinets for upscaling their facility and buying new equipment. This will help create 48 jobs. The province pledged up to $431,000 to create 20 jobs at Feb Tech Design and Build in Chilliwack and up to $50,000 to assist Mission's Valley Acrylic Bath in renovating their factory.
