Government of Canada Supports Expansion of Manufacturing in Chatham-Kent

WALLACEBURG, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2012) - Lambton Conveyor Limited will expand its grain handling and storage equipment manufacturing operations thanks to a contribution from the Government of Canada. The investment was announced today by Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). He made the announcement alongside representatives from municipal and provincial governments.

"Our Government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians," said MP Bev Shipley. "This funding will allow Lambton Conveyor Limited to expand its facilities, invest in new equipment, and diversify the manufacturing base in the Chatham-Kent area."

Since 1965, Lambton Conveyor Limited has been a manufacturer of grain handling and storage equipment serving the grain storage and handling, food processing and feed manufacturing industries. The family-owned company has grown from a regional manufacturer to a global operation with dealers in 25 countries around the world, offering a complete line of grain storage and handling equipment ranging from grain elevators and conveyor systems to mixers and crumblers.

Through FedDev Ontario's Prosperity Initiative, Lambton Conveyor Limited will receive up to $3.1 million in a repayable contribution to consolidate two existing facilities in Florence and Bothwell to one larger facility in Wallaceburg, Ontario, more than doubling its current space. The company will also use funds to invest in new equipment and increase production and storage capacity for its grain manufacturing operations. This project is expected to maintain 110 jobs and create up to 150 new jobs by 2015 in the Chatham-Kent area.

"Our goals of growth, expansion and job creation were embraced by all levels of government," said Chris Moorhouse, President, Lambton Conveyor Limited. "With the help of FedDev Ontario, Lambton Conveyor is undertaking this multi-million dollar expansion. This is a win for both us and the community."

"Our municipality is working closely with the federal government, the provincial government and the business leaders of our community to rebuild Chatham-Kent's economy and create jobs," said Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope. "Together, over almost two years we have worked to ensure that Lambton Conveyor Limited has the business environment and resources needed to succeed in Chatham-Kent. Thanks and congratulations go to everyone involved."

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

This news release is available online at: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca.