Pelican International has just announced that they have chosen Salaberry-de-Valleyfield to establish it's second factory.
The expansion of this international company could lead to the hiring of 200 to 300 employees, likely over a three year period.
Related jobs could become available at the new Valleyfield plant and perhaps more at the head office in Laval.
Pelican International is known as the largest manufacturer of plastic boats in the world, and this infusion of much needed employment into the region is highly anticipated, especially since the demise of the Goodyear Tire Plant on Blvd Monseigneur-Langlois.
Pelican products include kayaks, SUP boards, canoes, fishing boats, utility sleds, pedal boats, and other products distributed in over 50+ countries .
They produced their two millionth craft in the Fall of 2014.
The company states that it is equally committed to protecting the environment and minimizing its ecological footprint. Its initial plant, located in Laval, Quebec, recycles 99.5% of the excess material produced in its manufacturing processes and is equipped with specially designed ducts that redirect heated air from their moulding ovens to heat the facility in the winter.
The company, founded in 1968, employs 420 to 450 people at its factory and head office in Laval.
“We are very proud to take this important step forward for Pelican. For a while now, our Laval factory has been operating at maximum capacity, along with various storage facilities across Quebec. The time had come for us to seriously grow our production capabilities,” stated owners Mr. Antoine Elie and Mr. Christian Elie.
The specific location of the Valleyfield site has not been divulged as yet, but one could assume, n'est pas?
Plastics, rubber, empty tire plant? Hmmm. Just a guess.
The Québec government will reportedly grant a contribution of $ 2.1 million, through Investissement Québec, and les Fonds de solidarité FTQ were to become a minor shareholder in Pelican, as announced in December 2015.
Additional information in regard to financing and the estimated timeline of opening of the second facility has not been divulged thus far.
photos and info: http://www.pelicansport.com/