News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--CORRECTION-MANUFACTURING PLANT FOR DEBERT
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The provincial and federal governments announced on Dec. 8
that a new auto gas tank manufacturing plant will be built
in Debert by Bartlett's Gas Tanks Inc., creating up to 80
jobs.
Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison and Dianne
Brushett, MP, on behalf of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services Canada and Minister for the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), David Dingwall announced
approval of a $1.5 million repayable contribution under the
Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Industrial
Development Opportunities, to assist Bartlett's to purchase
machinery and equipment.
Mr. Harrison also announced that the Nova Scotia Business
Development Corporation has approved a $1.3 million loan to
Bartlett's to purchase land and construct a building.
The company plans to manufacture metal gas tanks for the
automotive after-care market, in Canada and the United
States. The new plant will be built next to the owner's
existing manufacturing complex, Canadian Automotive Radiator
Exchange and Manufacturing Limited (CAREM). CAREM is a
related car care business with an similar customer base that
would also be interested in purchasing gas tanks. The
existing distribution system ensures a ready market for
Bartlett's Gas Tanks.
Mr. Harrison said, "Barry Bartlett has seized an opportunity
to break into a growing market with this new company. His
background and expertise in this business, combined with the
positive export outlook point to a second success story for
Mr. Bartlett and the Debert park."
"The Industrial Development Opportunities Agreement is all
about creating new industries within Nova Scotia," said Ms.
Brushett. "The federal government realizes that this
translates into jobs."
The potential market for Bartlett's Gas Tanks Inc. looks
extremely promising, as only two other companies - one in
Quebec and one in Indiana - currently manufacture gas tanks
for the North American used car market.
While some Canadian companies are involved in coating gas
tanks, the market for coated tanks is declining and new
steel aftermarket tanks are gaining market share. The
aftermarket for gas tanks has traditionally involved
repairing existing tanks, which often leads to failure; or
replacing the unit, which can be costly as these tanks are
usually purchased from the southern U.S., where rust is not
a factor in used cars.
As retail prices are now similar for new tanks, as opposed
to repaired or used tanks, consumers are opting for the new
tank.
The company expects to make land improvements soon and begin
construction in the spring of 1996.
-30-
NOTE TO EDITORS: The COOPERATION Agreement funding should be
$1.5 million instead of $1.4 million as originally indicated
in news release NSCS511.
Contact: Linda Laffin 902-424-6810
Julia Watt 902-426-9304
trp Dec. 11, 1995
