News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--MACTARA EXPANSION APPLAUDED ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Nova Scotia government is helping a traditional resource company compete in major markets by using high technology, said Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie, on behalf of Economic Renewal Agency minister Robbie Harrison, at the official expansion opening of MacTara Ltd., the province's largest sawmill. No other sawmill in Eastern Canada is using the state-of-the-art technology that MacTara is implementing at its Upper Musquodoboit operation, including 45 computers, and controlled sawing operations. "With improved efficiencies and new technology, MacTara is adding value to a pulp product by retrieving pulpwood from the forest floor and creating a saleable product with new markets," Mrs. Norrie said. Strong demand from North American markets for kiln-dried softwood lumber sparked the $26 million expansion at MacTara. Over a year in the making, the expansion plan included the purchase of 41,500 acres of private timberland in Hants County, plus new equipment to make MacTara the most automated high-volume sawmill in the province. The Economic Renewal Agency assisted MacTara's expansion with a $3.9 million loan guarantee. "MacTara has proven itself to be a major contributor to the Musquodoboit Valley economy directly employing and contracting 400 people," said Mrs. Norrie. MacTara added 100 new direct and spin-off jobs as a result of their expansion. "MacTara is safely using innovative and modern techniques within a traditional resource sector," said MacTara Ltd. owner Hugh Erskine. MacTara exports throughout the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba, as well as 24 U.S. states. "Increasing exports at MacTara means increasing job opportunities for Nova Scotians, increased revenue for small woodlot owners and steady sales for Nova Scotia suppliers," said Mrs. Norrie. "MacTara is creating vital jobs in rural Nova Scotia while contributing millions of dollars of economic activity into the regional economy." -30- Contact: Linda Laffin 902-424-6810 trp June 27, 1996 - 12:20 p.m.