Italian accessories firm to manufacture in North America
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, Canada – Italian accessories manufacturer Opacmare Spa has signed an agreement with federal and local governments to begin production of nautical accessories at Pooles Corner, Prince Edward Island, Canada, it reported in a recent statement.
Bureaucratic procedures between Canadian government agencies and Opacmare, which began in 2004, have now been finalized, according to the company. Prince Edward Island, north of Maine and Nova Scotia, “holds a perfect geographical position for the efficient transportation of goods,” the manufacturer stated.
The new production site, an 80,000 square-foot facility, is already undergoing renovations in preparation for the arrival and installation of new equipment, which is scheduled to be fully operational before the end of the year, Opacmare reported.
The company said it will soon begin production at the new facility which, when running at full capacity, is expected to parallel production at the Rivalta facility in Italy, producing the full range of Opacmare nautical accessories in steel and aluminum, including windshields, doors, davits, gangways, swim ladders, hatchways, stern platforms and other smaller components.
The Canadian branch of the company will be run by Italian managerial personnel directed by Giancarlo Adami, who has been with Opacmare since it was established. Approximately 30 people are expected to be employed locally by the end of 2008, a further 50 during 2009 and a total of 100 by 2010, the company reported.
Opportunities offered by the Canadian government include an investment of 3 million Canadian dollars which, together with the $4.2 million invested by Opacmare, project sales figures of $4.2 million Canadian dollars in 2009, $5.5 million in 2010 and $8.8 in 2011, according to the manufacturer.
The new site will not only allow Opacmare to be closer to its American customers, it expects to be able to cut down on delivery times and production costs. The company added that Opacmare Americas LLC is set to become a launch pad for new development opportunities on South American markets while also supporting production in Italy.
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