Ottawa and Québec Grant Over $1.6M to Emballages Façoteck to Boost Productivity

Scotstown, Quebec, August 23, 2024 – In a significant move to enhance the productivity of Quebec’s manufacturing sector, the governments of Canada and Quebec, along with Investissement Québec, have announced a total investment of $1,675,200 to Emballages Façoteck. This funding aims to bolster the company’s productivity and production capacity through the acquisition of new technology and equipment.

Funding Details

The substantial grant includes:

• $175,000 from the Government of Canada, provided through the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
• $688,000 in loans from the Government of Quebec under the ESSOR Program.
• $812,000 in additional loans from Investissement Québec, provided through the Productivité Innovation initiative.

Investment Purpose

The funds will be used to purchase and install:

• An automated encapsulating machine
• A metal detector for quality control
• Commercial vacuums

These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and quality control of Emballages Façoteck’s production processes.

Statements from Officials

The Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, emphasized the importance of investing in the manufacturing sector:

“The manufacturing industry is a pillar of our economy. That is why our government is committed to investing so that our SMEs remain competitive and innovative. Thanks to CED’s support, Emballages Façoteck will be able to improve its productivity and production capacity in the manufacture and packaging of natural health, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. The entire team can be proud of this project.”

The Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, highlighted the broader community impact:

“SMEs are at the heart of community development and are part of our economic growth plan. Thanks to CED’s support, we are helping these businesses to not only improve their productivity and competitiveness but also create positive economic spin-offs for their communities. Congratulations to the entire Emballages Façoteck team on this project and on helping to raise the profile of the Cantons-de-l’Est region across Quebec and Canada.”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, noted the importance of innovation:

“To ensure they grow, manufacturing businesses must pursue their efforts to innovate and automate. Acquiring new equipment will enable Emballages Façoteck to increase its productivity while also stimulating economic development in the region.”

François Jacques, Member for Mégantic, praised the support for a key regional player:

“The Government of Quebec is keen to invest in Emballages Façoteck which, since 1973, has played a key role in the region’s economic development. As the Member for Mégantic, I am delighted that we are supporting a homegrown business that is already recognized by major pharmaceutical brands.”

Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement Québec, emphasized the company’s innovative spirit:

“With over 50 years of experience, Emballages Façoteck stands out for its innovative spirit. Investissement Québec is pleased to support the business in its modernization projects, which will make it possible to increase production capacity and operational fluidity and meet the growing demand from many clients. By leveraging automation and technology, it has the tools to remain agile and meet its targets, while also maintaining its status as a leader in North America.”

About Emballages Façoteck

Founded in 1973 and incorporated in 1995, Emballages Façoteck, originally known as Léo Désilets, maître herboriste, specializes in the manufacturing and packaging of natural health, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products with private labels. Located in Scotstown in the MRC du Haut-Saint-François in the Estrie region, the company is recognized for its role in the regional economy and its commitment to innovation.

Quick Facts

• CED’s REGI Program: Supports entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance competitiveness.
• ESSOR Program: Aids investment projects in Quebec to boost competitiveness and productivity.
• Investissement Québec: Manages government support for projects aimed at increasing productivity and operational efficiency.