PORT AU PORT EAST Magine Snowboard and Skis is looking to add to their equipment and increase their efficiency through a $52,164 investment from the provincial government under the Technology Utilization Program.
Keith Hutchings, minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, was at the business in Port au Port East on Friday to make the announcement, noting that such money helps improve operational efficiencies and boost capacity for greater innovation and competitiveness.
Now three years in business, Magine Snowboards is looking at expanding their market from not only the Atlantic provinces, but to all of Canada this coming winter, with an emphasis on Alberta.
Stephen Wheeler, company president, said the money would be put toward a new computerized router and another press.
Wheeler, along with Michael Maddock and Andre Savidon are the owner/operators of Magine Snowboard and Skis.
“This is great to see the Newfoundland and Labrador Government investing in us. It shows confidence in what we are doing and will help us continue to grow into the future,” Wheeler said.
He said in turn, it would help the owner/operators support their friends, family and their community.
“The application of technology-based solutions creates efficient, more profitable businesses and serves as a platform for growth and market expansion. As a government, we view this activity as being a key contributor to business development,” Hutchings said.
The program’s objective is to assist businesses improve business processes, product quality, efficiency and competitiveness.
fgale@thewesternstar.com
while I applaud the young men who took the initiative, and I fully support tax dollars being used to help start-up businesses that will make money and pay taxes, I would have been happier if these young men had the product produced offshore. They would pay less for labour, and could then make more money and in turn pay more taxes. In other words, having the company make more money and pay more taxes (to support health care) is more important than putting locals to work. It is more profitable and far easier to make the product offshore and sell it in Canada. That is what I do and it has served me well.