Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- Investment of nearly $2 million helping Jewel Welding Fabrication and Coatings Ltd. expand its production in Maple Ridge
- Project creates as many as 45 jobs, strengthens local supply chains and reduces reliance on out-of-province suppliers
- The investment supports B.C.’s Look West strategy by growing local manufacturing capacity for major projects
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A Maple Ridge-based manufacturer is being supported by the Province to expand its production, create new products and hire more people, while playing a key role in building the major projects needed to fuel economic growth throughout B.C.
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) and the Look West strategy, the Province is providing nearly $2 million to Jewel Welding Fabrication and Coatings Ltd. to increase its production capacity of hydroelectric and water-service piping used throughout British Columbia, creating as many as 45 new jobs.
“Our province has a vibrant manufacturing sector, and it’s vital that we work together to make sure B.C. products are used to build B.C. projects and create B.C. jobs,” said Premier David Eby. “With billions of dollars of major private-sector and infrastructure projects coming today and in the next few years, we’re going to continue supporting manufacturers so they can grow, create good new jobs and continue playing a key role in our economic future.”
Jewel specializes in large-diameter industrial pipe fabrication and coating for major water-service and hydroelectric infrastructure. Increasing the company’s capacity will reduce the company’s reliance on out-of-province suppliers and support the growing demand for clean-energy components in British Columbia.
“We’re happy to announce that Jewel is growing with support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund and expanding into a new facility,” said Chris Nudd, president and CEO, Hazelwood Group of Companies, the majority owner of Jewel. “This investment will play a key role in our development of advanced automation to improve safety for our people and reduce our reliance on imported materials. Jewel takes pride in building infrastructure for Metro Vancouver and throughout B.C.”
Expansion will boost production capacity and create as many as 45 new jobs
The investment is creating 12 new jobs in the near term, with as many as 33 more expected within four years as the company grows its production capacity. The funding is supporting Jewel to construct a new manufacturing facility and purchase advanced manufacturing equipment, allowing it to take on larger and more complex projects in B.C.’s growing clean-energy sector.
“This investment in Jewel Welding is exactly what the Look West strategy is built for, taking a homegrown B.C. manufacturer and giving it the tools to grow into something bigger,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “We're talking about up to 45 good new jobs right here in Maple Ridge, a stronger local supply chain and less reliance on out-of-province suppliers. When B.C. companies build B.C. projects, that’s money staying in our communities, funding the health care and education that people count on every day.”
Manufacturing Jobs Fund driving major investment and economic growth in B.C.
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports high-value industrial projects in all regions of the province, helping companies modernize, grow and create stable, family-supporting jobs.
During the construction phase of these projects and in their first few years of expanded operations, the BCMJF is expected to generate $17 billion in new economic activity and $714 million in provincial revenue, and add nearly $7 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities for people by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent and resilient economy.
It includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and Quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.
Quotes:
Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows –
“Supporting local manufacturers means more good jobs for people right here in our community and stronger, more resilient supply chains across this province. This is another result of our government’s support for homegrown companies to expand and help build the major projects that will keep B.C. moving forward.”
Dan Ruimy, mayor of Maple Ridge –
“Jewel’s expansion into a new facility in Maple Ridge, supported by the Province through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, is excellent news for our community. This investment will create 45 new local jobs and supports our shared goal of growing a strong, sustainable economy. Maple Ridge is proud to support businesses that are innovating, creating opportunities for residents, and strengthening domestic manufacturing.”
Kristi Maier, CEO, Ridge Meadows Chamber –
“One of our valued members, Jewel Welding Fabrication and Coatings, will be receiving nearly $2 million from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support their expansion and increase production of a much-needed product here in our province. Jewel has been an important member of our business community, and I remember speaking with them over a year ago about their expansion plans and the challenges they were facing. The Ridge Meadows Chamber is extremely excited to see not only a Maple Ridge business receiving a significant portion of this funding, but a business like Jewel.”
Jerry Kok, president, Ridge Meadows Chamber –
“We’re pleased to see the Province investing in a local Maple Ridge manufacturer through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. Support for companies like Jewel reinforces confidence in the economic strength of our community. This investment not only enables the company to expand its operations, but it also contributes to the creation of high-quality jobs and economic growth for Maple Ridge.”
Quick Facts:
- More than $1.2 billion is being invested in the 156 capital projects funded through the BCMJF, with as much as $154 million committed from B.C. so far, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
- Every $1 million invested results in $64 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $4.8 million in tax revenue to the Province and $46 million in provincial gross domestic product during the construction phase of these projects and in the first few years of expanded operations.
- Funded projects will create more than 2,100 jobs and protect more than 2,700 jobs.
Learn More:
- To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
