News Release Archive
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--BUGS DRIVE FIRM'S EXPANSION
-----------------------------------------------------------------
What do South African police, South American mining crews and
North American outdoor enthusiasts have in common? They all use
Bug Me Not clothing designed and manufactured in Louisdale,
Richmond Co.
"In South Africa, poaching police are using camouflage jackets
and pants that we make from fine mesh and cotton," said John
Garroway, chief executive officer of Multi Mesh Distribution Inc.
"A mining company in South America is using our clothing as
pajamas to reduce the risks of contracting malaria. We're also
attracting interest from Australia and Iceland."
These export sales were made with the help of a $25,000 community
business loan from Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.
Now the province is lending the company another $150,000 to
support expansion.
"We're using that money to increase our base level of inventory,
to purchase new equipment and to undertake ISO certification,"
said Mr. Garroway.
Said Richie Mann, minister with economic development and tourism:
"We're pleased to support a company that's creating much needed
jobs in rural Cape Breton. The company's entrepreneurial spirit
is impressive. So, too, is the market potential for the firm's
products."
The creative genius behind the Bug Me Not label is Rosanna Resch,
who with her husband Phil share ownership of the company with Mr.
Garroway and Rita Marchand.
"I knew a lot of people who couldn't enjoy the outdoors because
they were allergic to bug bites," said Mrs. Resch. "I did a lot
of sewing and so I searched for the right material and designed
jackets to solve the problem for my own family."
In just three years, Multi Mesh Distribution Inc. has grown from
three employees in a shop behind the Reschs' home to 23 full-time
workers and an office at the Richmond County Industrial Mall.
Half of those employees work directly for Multi Mesh. The other
half are employed by Louisdale's Carters Manufacturing, which has
been subcontracted to do the sewing.
"From the beginning, we've worked in partnership with Carters,"
said Mr. Garroway. Owned by Natalie Carter, the company has also
benefited from assistance from Economic Development and Tourism.
Up to 15 more employees work from their homes as needed to help
produce the clothing, which includes jackets, pants, gloves and
head gear designed to fit over all types of clothing.
"This year we're on target for 30,000 units and expect to operate
a night shift to keep up with demand," said Mrs. Resch.
In addition to clothing, the company manufactures hairnets for
the food-processing industry. "Traditionally, companies buy
disposable hairnets, which are costly and environmentally
unfriendly," explained Mr. Garroway. "Our product is durable and
tear resistant. They'll last six to eight months, and we've
introduced a recycling program to reuse the material for other
mesh products."
The company also manufactures a product for horses. The blankets,
called equestrian fly sheets or "bug rugs," are proving to be a
popular alternative to spraying.
"We've been able to create products that the marketplace wants,"
said Mr. Garroway. "At the same time, we're maintaining quality
and keeping our costs down."
Both he and Mrs. Resch are confident that "all the sweat and
tears" they've invested will pay off for the company and the
community.
-30-
Contact: Angela Poirier
Economic Development and Tourism
902-424-1593
e-mail: econ.poirieam@gov.ns.ca
John Garroway
Multi Mesh Distribution Inc.
1-800-628-7564
902-435-6419
email: bugmenot@ns.sympatico.ca
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos available
trp May 26, 1997 - 10:53 a.m.
