Lévis, Quebec, September 17 2024 - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The governments of Canada and Quebec are providing over $2.7 million in funding for Jambette Playground Equipment (Jambette) to support the expansion and upgrading of the business's production processes. Valued at over $16.5 million, the project has enabled the construction of a new plant in Lévis and the acquisition of modern equipment that boosts productivity.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED); and Bernard Drainville, Member of the National Assembly for Lévis, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region, acting on behalf of Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development.
The Government of Canada has provided a $400,000 repayable contribution under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program; the Quebec government has granted a loan of $1,029,210 through the ESSOR program, administered by Investissement Québec, which acts as an agent of the government; and Investissement Québec has also awarded a $1,328,350 loan from its own funds under the Productivité innovation initiative.
Jambette's new plant and the acquisition of new equipment will allow the business to double its production within five years and significantly reduce lead times.
Quotes
"Manufacturing is a pillar of our economy. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to investing to ensure that our SMEs remain competitive and innovative. With the help of CED's funding, Jambette will be able to improve its productivity while creating good jobs in Lévis. The entire team can be proud of this equipment acquisition project, which fosters the growth of the business and the economic development of the entire region."
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED
"Our government is proud to be investing in Jambette, a homegrown SME. The acquisition of new equipment will allow the business to grow its operations in Lévis and pursue its international development."
Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development
"Jambette is a good example of a Lévis business that is innovating and thinking big. This major investment will allow the business to grow and thus generate significant benefits, not only for the community of Lévis, but throughout the region and all across Quebec."
Bernard Drainville, Member of the National Assembly for Lévis, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region
"Investissement Québec is proud to be supporting another one of Jambette's growth projects. By focusing on innovation and new technologies, Jambette will be able to increase its productivity in a sustainable manner, strengthen its position in a competitive, world-class industry, and achieve its North American marketing objectives."
Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement Québec
"The new production line that we have put in place in the plant will boost our productivity, which means we will be able to better serve our current clients and explore new markets, particularly in the U.S., where we foresee attractive growth opportunities."
Marie-Noël Grenier, CEO of Jambette Recreational Equipment
Quick facts
- Founded in Lévis in 1983, Jambette can claim more than 20,000 achievements over the years and has become Canada's largest playground equipment designer and manufacturer. Since 2022, Jambette has also made a name for itself on the U.S. market with its fun, safe and durable outdoor play equipment.
- CED is the key federal player in Quebec for the promotion of economic development in the regions and among SMEs. Through its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, organizations and all regions of Quebec as they transition into the economy of tomorrow.
- The ESSOR program is managed by Investissement Québec, which acts as an agent of the Quebec government. The program targets Quebec businesses looking to speed up the realization of an investment project; increase their productivity through a technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies; reduce their environmental footprint, notably through the adoption of clean technologies; or increase their presence in global supply chains.
- The Productivité innovation initiative aims to help local businesses kickstart their competitiveness and growth through productivity and innovation. The goal is to encourage more businesses to take concrete steps to leverage innovation in all its forms and adopt technologies and processes such as automation, digitization, robotization and AI applications.
- The role of Investissement Québec is to foster business innovation, entrepreneurship and exports and help grow local and foreign investment in all regions of Quebec. A government-owned company, IQ provides customized support, technological expertise and flexible financial solutions for businesses of all sizes, at every stage of their growth.
Sources
Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Cell: 613-327-5918
