The PEI Bag Company has a long history and a bright future
Being in business requires adapting to market conditions, and making strategic and innovative investments. That’s why the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are supporting the PEI Bag Company with investments for innovative equipment to help increase quality, quantity and efficiency.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Chris Palmer, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today joined the team at PEI Bag Company to announce funding support.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will provide a repayable contribution of $400,000 for the purchase of a modern printing press that will be instrumental in nearly doubling the company’s printing capacity.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is contributing $900,000 in repayable financing along with $142,000 in non-repayable support to assist with the upgrades.
The new equipment, partnered with an existing flexographic press, will create opportunities to increase sales with more modern printing processes and enable the company to explore new markets. The project will help maintain 39 jobs and is expected to create two new positions.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its thriving food industry, strong export potential, growing innovation network, and skilled workforce.
Quotes
“This company’s roots run deep in rural PEI, and its values are at the core of its success. From the original founders to its team today, three things remain timeless: creating innovative solutions for the business community, superior customer service, and building relationships. I am pleased to announce Government of Canada support for the PEI Bag Company to purchase new equipment that will create more efficient production practices and open new business opportunities for this great rural business.”
- The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“Continuous innovation and modernization have made PEI Bag Co. a Prince Edward Island success story for more than 80 years, demonstrating how big things happen on this small but mighty Island. By supporting the company’s equipment upgrades, the provincial government is proud to help it increase production capacity that will help expand markets for its products and increase its bottom line.”
- The Honourable Chris Palmer, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“PEI Bag Co. Ltd. is a strong employer in rural PEI. We serve our customers in the Agriculture and Aquaculture industries on PEI, Atlantic Canada, and the USA. Our employees are proud to produce high quality packaging for the food industry. With innovative technology, we will be able to work more efficiently for many years to come. It will allow us to improve the quality of printing, increase printing capacity and open the door for new markets for our packaging products. We would like to thank ACOA and the province of Prince Edward Island for their contribution to our future.”
- Thane Smallwood, General Manager, PEI Bag Company
Quick Facts
• The PEI Bag Company Ltd. was established in 1935 by three entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to manufacture packaging for PEI’s growing potato industry.
• The business continues to be owned by descendants of the original three founders.
• Bags are customized with each client primarily for: potatoes, fish, shellfish, animal feed, flour and sugar. Customers range from large corporations to individuals requiring a small quantity of bags.
• New printing equipment is expected to increase production from 25 million printing impressions per year to upwards of 45 million.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
chris.brooks@canada.ca
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
Thane Smallwood
General Manager
PEI Bag Co. Ltd.
902-887-3508
thane@peibag.com