Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- The Province is investing nearly $500,000 through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support two manufacturing projects in the Lower Mainland
- Expansion creates 25 full-time jobs, grows local economy
- This work supports the Province’s Look West strategy by delivering more jobs, opportunities in Vancouver
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With support from B.C.’s Look West strategy, two B.C.-based manufacturers are expanding their operations in the Lower Mainland to bring more B.C.-made beverages to store shelves and reduce waste sent to local landfills.
“Through our Look West strategy, we are building good, family-supporting jobs across the province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Workers at B.C. businesses are creating incredible products every day. Supporting manufacturers means we can get more local products, made with local materials, to national and international markets. By making strategic investments to accelerate businesses’ growth, we are growing and protecting British Columbians’ paycheques.”
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the Province is investing a total of $500,000 to support Coupe Beverages Corporation and GRT Holdings Ltd. as they grow their operations and advance new projects. These investments will help the two companies expand capacity, improve efficiency and remain competitive, while supporting innovation and sustainable practices across key sectors of B.C.’s economy.
Together, these projects will support more good jobs, innovation and long-term economic development to communities throughout the province.
Supporting major expansion for Vancouver beverage manufacturer
Coupe Beverages Corporation, based in Vancouver, is receiving as much as $450,000 to expand into a larger facility and purchase new advanced manufacturing equipment, leading to a total capital investment of $3 million.
Coupe Beverages Corporation is known for its Duchess Cocktails and E. Bittermann Tonic beverages.
This investment enables Coupe to increase production and expand into new product lines. This provincial investment will support Coupe Beverages in hiring 25 more people, while strengthening B.C.’s growing beverage-manufacturing sector.
The expansion will result in more B.C.-made products reaching store shelves and new markets, supporting local supply chains and consumer demand.
“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has made it possible for Coupe Beverages to add critical new jobs and equipment, resulting in increased capacity at our factory in Vancouver,” said Olivia Lovenmark-Hay, founder and CEO, Coupe Beverages Corporation. “We’re now able to more efficiently launch new brands and products into market, as well as meet the growing needs of our clients. Additionally, the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund support better equips Coupe Beverages to serve larger clients, support listings with national and chain partners, and export products across Canada and internationally.”
Supporting sustainable recycling innovation
GRT Holdings Ltd. converts waste and surplus soils from construction projects into aggregate materials for use in construction while diverting more materials away from landfills. The company is receiving $50,000 toward engineering and planning to create a new waste soil and aggregate recycling facility in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund provides critical planning and assessment support for GRT’s regional expansion,” said Peter Reid, CEO, GRT Holdings Ltd. “This funding is bringing us closer to delivering the resource-regeneration infrastructure B.C.’s construction sector depends on.”
This funding builds on $735,000 that GRT Holdings Ltd. received through the fund in 2024, helping the company commission new equipment that allowed the business to grow and hire six people.
Manufacturing jobs fund driving growth throughout B.C.
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports high-value industrial projects throughout British Columbia, helping companies modernize, expand and create stable, family-supporting jobs.
As much as $1.2 billion is being invested in more than 150 capital projects supported through the fund, with as much as $153 million in provincial funding committed. These projects are helping create more than 2,100 jobs and protect more than 2,700 jobs throughout the province.
During the construction phase of these projects and in their first few years of expanded operations, committed funds are expected to:
- generate $17 billion in new economic activity
- add nearly $7 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product
- contribute $714 million in provincial revenue
In addition, announced as part of Budget 2026, B.C.'s new refundable manufacturing and processing investment tax credit will provide an estimated $55 million in tax savings per year for companies investing in new equipment, helping them expand production and create more good-paying jobs throughout the province.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West strategy 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.
The Look West strategy 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:
Niki Sharma, MLA for Vancouver-Hastings –
“These are important investments that support local companies to reach even greater success. Companies like Coupe Beverages should be celebrated as they are carving a space for Canadian products in the beverage market. We are happy to support them as they help create economic value right here in our community.”
Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant –
“Investing in local manufacturing means creating good jobs, supporting businesses that are rooted in our communities, and getting B.C.-made products to new markets. By helping companies like Coupe Beverages grow and innovate, we’re strengthening our local economy, while expanding opportunities for people here in Vancouver.”
Learn More:
To learn more about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund
To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
