An investment of more than $167,000 in new equipment will help a local epoxy and resin company increase the renewable content of its products, improve efficiency and create new jobs, federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today, noting funds will be provided through Growing Forward 2, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and efficiency in the agriculture, agri-food and bio-products sector. Initiatives like these help strengthen our economy and create good middle-class jobs for Manitobans, and will reduce our environmental footprint,” said MacAulay.
“Manitoba is proud to support the growth of our ag research and bio-product industries with investments like this,” said Eichler. “The important work being done at EcoPoxy advances both our economic and environmental goals in agriculture, and builds on Manitoba’s strategic advantages. These include our growing conditions and access to bio-products such as soybean oil, world-class testing and research facilities, and innovative Manitobans who are committed to capitalizing on new ideas and opportunities.”
EcoPoxy produces epoxies and coatings from bio-based ingredients such as soybean oil and other renewable materials, which are used for floor coatings, artwork, boat building, countertops, tables and many other applications. The funding will be used to purchase and install lab equipment to test product quality, and automated processing and packaging equipment, improving overall production levels by 80 per cent and reducing packaging costs by 75 per cent.
“EcoPoxy will benefit greatly with the addition of this equipment,” said Jack Maendel, chief executive officer, EcoPoxy. “The testing equipment will allow us to immediately test newly developed epoxy samples and get the results within 24 to 48 hours, instead of the current process which is at great cost and takes three to four weeks. The filling equipment will speed up our process to fulfil orders, which is currently being done by hand.”
EcoPoxy is based near Morris and currently employs 15 people, and the minister noted two new jobs are expected to be created as a result of this investment. Many of the company’s ingredients are grown in the province and its products are manufactured with bio-based materials such as soybean oil, cashew nut oil and recycled eggshells. Currently, some of EcoPoxy’s products are considered 53 per cent renewable content. The minister noted this investment will support the company’s goal of producing a fully renewable product.
Source : Manitoba Agriculture