Harper Government Helps Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel Inc. Increase Productivity

SAINT-JÉRÔME, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2011) - Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, today announced that Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel has been granted funding from the Government of Canada to increase its productivity.

"Our government is proud to support enterprises that, like Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel, are doing everything they can to increase their productivity and export their products to new markets," said Mr. Gourde. "Moreover, this contribution from our government will help stimulate economic growth and job creation in the region."

The completion of this project will allow Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel to significantly increase its production capacity and productivity, thereby enabling the firm to better answer the growing demand for its products, boost its sales and exports and develop a new clientele.

Established in 2006 in Saint-Jérôme, in the Laurentides region, Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel specializes in the production of specialty beers. Its products are sold in 350 points of sale across Quebec, with nearly 15% of its production exported to Canada's other provinces, the United States, France and Australia. In 2009, Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel carried out a first expansion project; two years later, after quadrupling its sales, the company has again reached the limit of its production capacity.

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The $300,000 repayable contribution announced today has been granted through Canada Economic Development's Business and Regional Growth program. Microbrasserie Dieu du Ciel will use this financial assistance to acquire a new, faster bottling line and fermentation tanks. The brewery also intends to install a conveyor, an accumulation table, a warm room and a refrigeration system.

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BACKGROUNDER

Business and Regional Growth

Laval-Laurentides-Lanaudière

The Business and Regional Growth program strengthens the conditions conducive to the sustainable growth of Quebec's regions and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Administered by the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, this program centres on two main components: SME Competitiveness and Sectoral and Regional Growth.

The Agency's priority for Laval–Laurentides–Lanaudière is to support projects that promote the development of the following sectors:

• aerospace
• new materials
• new information technologies
• metal products
• life sciences
• environmental technologies
• tourism
• food processing

Preference is given to the following types of intervention:

• productivity support
• innovation support
• export support