Created: 2010-03-05 19:51:15

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WELCOMING DSME TO TRENTON
Date: March 05, 2010


"Good morning.Today is a great day for all of us living Pictou County and for all of Nova Scotia.I know the history here and I’m very proud that for almost two centuries, Pictou County has been one of the industrial engines of the Nova Scotia economy.
From the early days of shipbuilding and coal mining to steel-making and fabrication, this area of Nova Scotia has achieved many firsts.The first steel in Canada was poured here in Trenton in an open-hearth furnace in 1883 by the Nova Scotia Steel Company. A rail car plant was built in 1912 adjacent to the steel mill and forging operations. The first Michelin plant in North America was established near here at Granton in 1971— and today Nova Scotia remains the only province where Michelin produces products in Canada.
We’ve led the way in industrial innovation in the past I am very proud that Trenton will be at the forefront of the environmental technology revolution. We will be a leader in North America for wind generation technology.
I want to be clear – we will lead. Our workers will be employed, our families will prosper, and North America will get their green energy solutions form Nova Scotia.
For that reason, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $10 million in this project.
(Pause)
Our contribution includes a $5 million repayable loan as well as an additional $5 million to upgrade land adjacent to the plant.
Today, electricity from wind energy is one of the fastest growing methods of electrical generation in the world.
Many countries are scrambling to take the lead in creating the next generation of energy efficient technology.
Canada is already playing a leading role and this plant will certainly put Nova Scotia on the world map.
Bringing this plant back to life, to create the jobs we need, has been a personal mission for me.
It’s been a long long road to get to this point. But to be honest, it wasn’t just about getting the machines running within these walls. It’s always been about people.
The very first time I met with DSME in Halifax, I talked about the support from the town, the Province, the Community College, local business that can provide products and services, and the research potential at our local universities. But I spoke most passionately about the Pictou County workforce. The workforce is strong, skilled, and ready to work at home. Don’t get me wrong, Alberta is a great place to visit but it’s just not the same as working and raising your family here.
Over the last three years I have toured this plant with potential buyers from all parts of the globe – Canada, India, the United States, Spain, and of course Korea. I’ve toured this place so often I think I can give the tour -- Brad and Steve have been great teachers.
Actually, I just want to take moment to thank Brad and Steve. They have been the engines behind this sale. They’ve literally worked night and day, at the plant and afar, to help make this day a reality. I know they truly believe in the future of this plant and I’m grateful, truly grateful, for all they have done.
There are a number of people I need to acknowledge – people who offered assistance and advice over the last three years.
This truly was a community project. The Sobey family has been generous with their time and assistance. Thank you for you for always believing in our ability to bring this facility back to life. You truly are some of Pictou County’s best Ambassadors.
George Sutherland and John Guest from Michelin have been very kind to meet with prospective buyers. Your experience was invaluable.
St. FX, Dalhousie, and NSCC have all offered to help with research and training – and we will take you up on those offers.
Membertou, with Chief Terry Paul and Pictou County -raised Jeff Slivocka, have brought business leads and always kept the door open for future development.
Rob Bennet, a pictou county native who runs Nova Scotia Power, has made himself available for many discussions and we might here more about those discussions later.
When the plant closed three years ago, things seemed pretty bleak. People thought this building was finished. Some thought it would be easier to level the buildings and sell the land – just turn their backs and move on. My friends Pat Dunn and Rodney MacDonald thought different. Thanks for having the insight to take ownership of the property and work with us to keep the heat and lights on. Thanks for sharing the vision that we would see real jobs here again.
Lisa MacDonald, the CAO of the Town of New Glasgow, was at the Pictou Regional Development Commission three years ago. As soon as the former owner made their announcement Lisa was on the phone with me working on a solution. She was determined not to let government give up on Trenton. Even after she left PRDC she kept working on this effort. Lisa, thanks for your drive and determination.
We all need to thank the dedicated staff at PRDC, the Chamber of Commerce, ACOA, Nova Scotia Business Inc, Economic Development, Department of Energy, the Department of Labour, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – thank you.
When a prospective buyer came to town, we always tried to showcase local businesses. Rob MacEachern at Nova Forge, Bob Hawbolt at Hawbolt’s Machining, Andy MacGregor at MacGregor’s Fabrication, and Maritime Steel all opened their doors along with other local companies. Obviously your skills were impressive.
Finally, I want to thank the former workers of TrentonWorks. I want to thank you for never letting up the fight, never giving in, and never settling. You’ve seen some tough times. I hope this brings some good news for you and your families.
Mr. Nam, the sale of this facility has been a community effort. We have literally looked all over the world for the right buyer – not just any buyer, the right company to bring to our community. I welcome you to our community, I welcome you to my home.
My friends and my community will open their doors to support your business – the next great Nova Scotia business.
I’m welcoming DSME with all the confidence that Trenton will be a leader in renewable energy; our workers will provide the best products – on time – to help provide the world’s energy solutions.
Your company is making a significant investment in NS. I’m confident you will see that return on investment in our workforce and the support from our community. You will enjoy a very long and prosperous relationship with the province of NS.
Of course, I want to acknowledge this strategic and bold investment from the Province. Premier, you and your team have come to the table and you delivered – you truly delivered here today.
I know the province isn’t just investing in a plant, they’re investing in people.
The economic benefits of this project are significant for a number of companies across Nova Scotia.
Expansion of local employment and fabrication of high-demand product and development within Nova Scotia of a wind power industry cluster are developments that represent enormous potential for the long term prosperity of this province.
With this joint venture into the wind power market, Nova Scotia has the potential to become one of the world’s leading areas for wind energy generation.
I am particularly pleased that DSME Trenton – what a great name -- will seek out opportunities to work with local businesses and suppliers in order to maximize the benefits for the communities it works with.
The company also intends to collaborate with local suppliers and post-secondary institutions to create a “wind power technology hub.”
The redevelopment of the Trenton plant as part of an emerging and global wind power industry builds on this communities natural strengths, helps diversify the local economy and creates long-term opportunities for the people throughout this region.
Ladies and gentlemen, today’s announcement opens the door to new economic development opportunities for this community and across this province. With the right mix of companies we can create a renewable energy cluster here in Nova Scotia. We can be the exporters of the world’s energy solutions. We can lead the way.
This plant, this facility, has a long history. The future is longer and brighter because of the investments announced today.
In closing, I want to thank DSME for believing in the people of Trenton. I want to thank the Province for making a bold and strategic investment. I want to thank all my friends who helped over the last three years to make this announcement possible.
Well, Thank you, now let’s get to work". (The Honourable Peter MacKay March 5,2010 Trenton, Nova Scotia)