Photo Credit: Don Lane Photography, (Click photo to visit Don Lane photo gallery)
In the past few years, Brookfield Dairy, the fourth largest ice cream processor in Canada, has invested $7.5 million, launched nearly 20 new innovative products, and signed exclusive licensing agreements with major international food companies.

The Province’s manufacturing sector continues to expand. The value of shipments for the January to August period increased by 9.5% on a year over year basis. At this pace, shipments for the year are likely to exceed the record level of $1.76 billion set in 1998. Manufacturing employment has also been strong, increasing by 4.5% in the January to October period. Strong performances from the traditional components: fish, newsprint and petroleum, coupled with the growth of innovative and non-resource manufacturers have helped spur the industry.

Manufacturing outside the traditional sectors has grown in recent years and now comprises some 400 firms employing over 7,000 people. There are a number of enterprises carving out niche markets for their innovative, technology oriented manufactures: 

• In July, Newfoundland Bonding and Composites (NB&C) opened a $20 million facility in Gander where it intends to manufacture high-tech bonded materials for the areospace airframe and automotive industries. NB&C has secured a $13 million contract to manufacture parts for Canada’s newest search and rescue helicopter, the Cormorant. The company employs 47 people at present, and expects to create up to 250 jobs over the next six years. 
• Northstar Technical Inc. was recently awarded a $2.9 million contract by Lockheed Martin Corp. to manufacture and test torpedo-firing consoles for submarines owned by the Department of National Defence. The contract will secure the existing workforce of 18 and add another six for about one year. 
• Brookfield Dairy, a company that has been serving Newfoundland and Labrador since 1926, has significantly expanded both its product lines and its export markets to include the US, Caribbean and Asia. In 1991, the company won the provincial Export Award for Small Manufacturer and five years later won the provincial Export Award for Large Manufacturer. Brookfield employs about 250 people in Newfoundland and Labrador. 
  

The importance and growth potential of small-scale manufacturers is recognized as key to the continued diversification of the manufacturing industry. For this reason it is the focus of a provincial strategic planning initiative to encourage local manufacturers to adopt international ‘best practices’ and ensure that the Province’s business climate continues to be one that is supportive of manufacturing development. Factors already in place that enhance the business climate for manufacturers in Newfoundland and Labrador include the availability of world class research and training facilities, a broad range of fiscal advantages and special incentive/support programs such as EDGE and the Export Awards program.

Continued development efforts, increased activity in the oil and gas industry and favourable market conditions for its traditional components all bode well for the growth prospects of the manufacturing industry.