Companies recognized for export and trade achievements

11 June 2014

SAINT JOHN (GNB) – Six provincial awards recognizing export and trade achievements were handed out at the 2014 New Brunswick Export Awards event in Saint John.

“We are Canada’s most trade-driven province and our success depends on the strength of our global exports, and our ability to develop and grow markets in other parts of the world,” said Economic Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “Exporting is vital to our success and to the standard of living we enjoy in our province. We are proud to recognize these innovative entrepreneurs who promote our province by producing world-class products and services.”

This year’s recipients are:

● Arcticold Refrigeration Ltd., of Saint Antoine, Emerging Exporter of the Year;
● Maritime Hydraulic Repair Center (1997) Ltd., of Moncton, Global Diversification Award;
● The Learning Bar, of Fredericton, Innovative Exporter of the Year;
● GTECH Canada ULC, of Moncton, Foreign-owned Exporter;
● CN, Collaborative Partnership Award; and
● BASE Engineering Inc., of Saint John, Exporter of the Year.

“This long-standing partnership between government and industry reflects the importance of trade to our quality of life,” said Brian Muir, chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters-NB and chief financial officer for Atlantic Industries Ltd. “With a relatively small population, New Brunswick must export its goods and services to generate wealth. Our history is filled with great success stories of companies – large and small – that have made it on the international stage.”

Emerging Exporter of the Year
Arcticold Refrigeration Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket RV fridge cooling systems, and offers a complete range of models.

Global Diversification Award
Maritime Hydraulic Repair Center (1997) Ltd., is a diversified sales, service and design/manufacturing facility catering to the marine/offshore/industrial sectors. The company employs more than100 skilled personnel at its operations in Moncton, and at satellite facilities in Houston,Texas and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Innovative Exporter of the Year
The Learning Bar is a research-based company that provides educators with the means to efficiently collect, analyze, and report reliable insight from students, teachers, and parents. The company works closely with public and private school administrators to cultivate school improvement, promote health and safety, and drive student outcomes. It is the largest national school survey provider in Canada and also exports its products and services to Australia, New Zealand, United States, Uruguay, and Mexico.

Foreign-owned Exporter
GTECH Canada ULC is a leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets. In 2013 the company had about 8,600 employees in about 60 countries.

Exporter of the Year
BASE Engineering Inc. is a leading provider of electronic control systems for petrochemical distribution. The company continues to expand its reach into Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

“Exports are a major engine of economic growth and critical to Canada’s long-term prosperity,” said Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “New Brunswick’s exporters are fueling that growth through the accomplishments being celebrated at the 2014 New Brunswick Export Achievement Awards. Our Government shares that commitment and has made opening new markets a priority through initiatives such as the Canada and European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement – so that our leading exporters can continue to grow and fuel our region’s prosperity for many years to come.”

The awards are a joint initiative of the Department of Economic Development and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Export Development Canada, UPS® Canada, Air Canada, the Telegraph Journal, Maine International Trade Center and Progress Media also participated in the event which was held in conjunction with Port Days 2014 and New Brunswick Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters day.

New Brunswick accounts for nearly half (47 per cent) of all exports from Atlantic Canada. Companies in the province sell their goods and services to more than 150 countries generating more than $14.5 billion in export sales. Every $1 million in export sales sustains six full-time jobs in New Brunswick. The province’s top exports are energy products, seafood and farm products, forestry and building materials products, and metal ores and mining products.

The department’s export strategy, Growing Global Markets, identifies three goals to advance export growth: encouraging more firms to enter export markets; focusing on growth opportunities through value-added exports; and diversifying New Brunswick’s export markets.

Media Contact(s)
Bruce Macfarlane, communications, Department of Economic Development, 506-453-8607.

David Plante, vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, New Brunswick division, 506-857-3056.