Given the sustained increase in demand for its products, Berger is pleased to announce the construction of a peat processing and bagging plant in Rivière-Pentecôte on the North Shore of Quebec, where it has already been harvesting peat since 2006. This project represents an investment of $3.6 million and is made possible through a non-repayable financial grant from the ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles (Department of Energy and Natural Resources) through the ÉcoPerformance program.
"The establishment of this plant on the cutting edge of technology will allow the elimination of 7,861 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). We now have three years to complete plant construction, and then we will compute GHG emissions from the start of operations," says Mr. Claudin Berger, CEO of Berger.
In addition to positive impacts on the environment, particularly by reducing the transportation of raw material, the region will benefit from this new activity. In fact, it is estimated that 8 jobs will be created upon opening the plant. This number may gradually increase up to 15 jobs over a period of seven years. The start of construction will also have direct and indirect benefits on the regional economy, particularly through the granting of contracts to various local providers.
This facility will become the 8th plant in Berger’s already well established network in North America and will allow to increase its deliveries of finished products to export markets. It also consolidates the presence of Berger on the North Shore of Quebec region, where the harvesting of peat will become increasingly important in the coming years.
"This investment will allow Berger to continue its growth and achieve its long-term strategic orientations. The third generation fully intends to further develop the company," explains Valérie Berger, Vice President - Administration and Development.
For more information:
Berger
Martine Bernier
Supervisor – Communications
T: 418 862-4462 # 1206