More than $1.3 million for supporting the development and growth of four Sherbrooke companies

The Government of Canada supports the projects of Eagle Vizion, Oneka Technologies, G.E. Gilbert Industries, and Energy Solutions Air (ESA)

SHERBROOKE, QC, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The companies Eagle Vizion, Oneka Technologies, G.E. Gilbert Industries, and Energy Solutions Air will be able to continue to grow by receiving repayable contributions totalling $1,305,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Through CED's support, Eagle Vizion and Oneka Technologies will be able to carry out their business start-up project in the clean technology sector. As for G.E. Gilbert Industries and Energy Solutions Air, they have been able to move forward with development projects that will enable them to increase their companies' productivity and growth.  

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced that funding today. The funding granted by the Government of Canada under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will enable the recipient companies to achieve the objectives that they have set for themselves. Carrying out their respective projects will generate total investments of over $9 million and create 34 new jobs in the Cantons-de-l'Est region.

The Government of Canada is committed to establishing close partnerships with Quebec companies in order to support their efforts to innovate and increase their productivity and competitiveness, while contributing to the economic vitality of the regions, job creation and a better quality of life for citizens.

Quotes

"We are choosing to focus on the innovation capacity and the desire to progress of these companies that are setting themselves apart in a constantly changing market. Their drive, boldness and innovative spirit are contributing to the economic vitality of the Cantons-de-l'Est region."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"As Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, my goal is to help companies grow and innovate so that they can become more competitive and create high-quality jobs and wealth for Canadians. This is why we are supporting Eagle Vizion, Oneka Technologies, G.E. Gilbert Industries, and Energy Solutions Air, four companies whose successes have a ripple effect on the region and on the Canadian economy as a whole."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Today's announcement is made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which comprises 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local companies.
• For more details on the projects, please read the attached backgrounder.

Backgrounder

Proponent	Contribution — Investments – Project Description
Eagle Vizion  (6511660 Canada Inc.)	Repayable contribution of $650,000 out of a total investment of $2,800,000 Founded in 2006 as a research and development centre, Eagle Vizion is a spin-off company from Sherbrooke O.E.M. Ltd. The latter has been specializing in designing, manufacturing, installing and marketing mechanical systems for recycling centres since 1997. The project involved starting up an innovative company that works to develop and market optical waste-sorting solutions. CED's assistance enabled Eagle Vizion to cover part of the costs associated with technology showcases and marketing expenses. The project will ultimately result in the creation of 19 jobs.
Oneka Technologies  (9320-9054 Québec Inc.)	Repayable contribution of $295,000 out of a total investment of $1,500,000 Oneka Technologies was founded in 2015 by two entrepreneurs with expertise in mechanical engineering. This SME works at creating, assembling and marketing autonomous seawater desalination units capable of producing drinking water using wave movement as the sole energy source. As part of the start-up of Oneka Technologies, CED's assistance is helping to support the company in improving its technology, obtaining its patents internationally and launching a marketing strategy, including a technology showcase. The project will create 7 jobs.
G.E. Gilbert Industries Inc.	Repayable contribution of $200,000 out of a total investment of $4,060,500 G.E. Gilbert Industries, incorporated in 1975, manufactures small and large metal parts in short runs. The company specializes in high-precision machining of steel and cast iron parts and assembles (welds) steel parts. It also provides prototyping and equipment repair services. The project enabled the company to expand and to improve its productivity by purchasing precision equipment, such as a digitally controlled lathe (CNC lathe) intended for machining large parts, as well as expand and redesign the plant. The project resulted in 6 jobs being created.
Energy Solutions Air Sustainable Development Companies Inc.	Repayable contribution of $160,000 out of a total investment of $850,000 Energy Solutions Air Sustainable Development Companies Inc. was founded in Lévis in 2010. Today it is located in Sherbrooke and is called Energy Solutions Air (ESA). The company opened its plant on January 14, 2019. ESA specializes in designing and marketing air exchangers that help improve the energy efficiency of agricultural buildings. To date, the ESA-Series has enabled agricultural producers in Canada and the United States to reduce their environmental footprint by two tonnes of CO2 per day. In addition to marketing this innovative agricultural ventilation product, ESA's project involves continuing to develop products, including by purchasing new production equipment. CED's assistance has enabled the company to increase the production and marketing of its products in Canada and the United States. This project helped create 2 jobs.
Summary	Number of projects:          4 Number of jobs created:  34 CED's contributions:            $1,305,000 Total investments generated by these projects:        $9,210,500

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• Follow Oneka Technologies on Facebook 
• Follow G.E. Gilbert Industries on Facebook 
• Follow ESA on Facebook 

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]