Nanaimo-based VMAC Global Technology Inc. grow its operations by establishing a new 465-square-metre (5,000 square feet) manufacturing facility. @new.gov.bc.ca
NANAIMO – VMAC Global Technology Inc. will receive as much as $3.4 million though the provincial government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to build a new 5,000 square foot manufacturing facility and equipment.
The funding for equipment is to help VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors) scale up production of lightweight air compressors for heavy-duty commercial electric vehicles, including semi-trucks, buses and other vehicles that require air brakes and air suspension.
“As a successful manufacturing and export business in Nanaimo, with over 180 employees, VMAC is proud to provide high-quality local jobs and support various local suppliers in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island and in B.C.,” says VMAC CEO Brent Johnston. “This has been VMAC’s driving purpose for the past 38 years and the support from the Province of British Columbia will enable us to continue this mission.”
VMAC’s technology allows for longer range and lower maintenance costs, enabling greater adoption among the commercial market and significantly reducing emissions. VMAC also incorporates circular economy elements into its operations by reusing aluminum and steel in production and maximizing the use of all raw materials.
This project increases B.C.’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, aligns with CleanBC’s priorities to strengthen adoption and infrastructure of heavy-duty EVs, and creates 45 new jobs at VMAC.
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports for-profit organizations to plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and clean manufacturing projects that bring direct benefits and jobs to communities.
Two other Vancouver Island-based wood-product manufacturers will also be receiving grants from the fund.
In Port Alberni, Franklin Forest Products Ltd. will receive up to $425,000 to buy new equipment that will allow it to shift from processing old-growth logs to a broader range of log sizes and grades, and is expected to create five new jobs.
“Franklin Forest Products appreciates the financial support from the Province,” says President Mike McKay. “The funds will help retool the operation to become less reliant on old-growth timber and protect the nearly 40 jobs in the Port Alberni community.”
In Chemainus, BioFlame Briquettes, which manufactures briquettes from waste sawdust and logging residual from the forestry industry, will receive up to $117,320 in order to buy and commission a hammermill and briquette press that will increase fibre diversity and production at its facility and create four new jobs. It will allow the company to take logging waste directly from the forest to reduce wildfire risk and decrease risk of fibre supply uncertainty.
“Thanks to the BC Manufacturing Fund, BioFlame is able to acquire the necessary equipment to transform low-value wood waste into densified biomass,” states CEO Marcus Woernle. “This waste includes construction and logging residue, allowing BioFlame to increase production and meet demand.”
Business Examiner Staff
