Bathurst entrepreneur's expansion seen as sign of how local economy is starting to turn around

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Todd Morrison believes the job opportunities for young people is much better now in Bathurst than it was when he started at Rogers Electric Motor Service 10 years ago.

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James Mallory/Northern Light Photo

Finance Minister Victor Boudreau (left) and Nepisiguit Liberal MLA Cheryl Lavoie listen as Todd Morrison, owner of Rogers Electric Motor Service , explains how an electric motor stator works. Last week, Rogers Electric received $125,000 from the province to help expand the business and hire six new employees.

"I think it's a much more positive outlook in the area now then it was back then when the job market was fairly tight," said Mr. Morrison, who returned to Bathurst in 1997 after living in Ontario and Saint John. "Now, the need for trades people and all kinds of different facets of educated people is much better. I think there's all kinds of opportunities for young people."

On April 28, New Brunswick Finance Minister Victor Boudreau announced $125,000 in funding to help Rogers Electric Motor Service expand its location at the Bathurst Industrial Park and hire six new employees. Mr. Morrison, owner and operator of Rogers Electric Motor Service, said the growth of his business is proof young entrepreneurs can prosper in this region.

"When the company started, it was on Miramichi Avenue in a small 12,000 square foot building. We did power tool repair and small domestic water pumps. We've grown from a very small three-person operation to now 13 people here," he said, noting that a 14th employee will be hired this summer. "It's with those people...that we'll solicit new work and go into markets that really seem bigger than us."

Mayor Stephen Brunet was on hand for last week's funding announcement. He noted that a business like Rogers Electric is one of many Bathurst has to offer the rest of the province.

"One of our young entrepreneurs has developed quite a business over the last few years and with his leadership now he has employed 13 people at this plant," said Mayor Brunet. "We're really proud of him and...it's plants like this that can help all of New Brunswick, not just here.

"Working together with the Irvings or whoever is going to put on the major projects in Saint John, plants like this can help the rest of New Brunswick...We hope the word gets out there to the Saint John area where they're looking for thousands of workers and manufacturers, we are the manufacturing centre of northern New Brunswick, especially in the metal fabrication sector."

Rogers Electric Motor Service repairs AC and DC electric motors, industrial pumps, gear reducers, vacuum pumps, and generators for various industries, including food processing, health care, mining, smelting and forestry.

Rogers is also equipped to perform dynamic balancing, laser alignment, vibration analysis, machining and on-site diagnostic and repair work.

Mr. Morrison said the $125,000 in provincial funding goes towards a continuing expansion with a price tag of about $900,000. He said the expansion includes a new 10,000 square foot building from their existing facility to accommodate larger motors with higher lifting capacities and higher testing capabilities.

"We ship all over Atlantic Canada," he noted. "Our process here is a refurbishment process so we rebuild motors and refurbish them like new and ship them back to the customer."

The government contribution of $125,000 comes from the Restigouche-Chaleur Economic Development Fund. The Government of New Brunswick's $30-million Restigouche-Chaleur Economic Development Fund (RCEDF) supports projects focusing on diversification, infrastructure, research and development, and training and education. The fund expires on April 30, 2009.

"Partnering with a company like Roger's Electric Motor Service demonstrates our government's commitment to economic development in Bathurst and New Brunswick," said the provincial Finance Minister, who is minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

Mr. Morrison said government support was key in his decision for expansion.

"It's not that easy to acquire finances anymore...It's important to have the backing of the province when you can get interest free loans through the federal government or grants from the provincial government. It makes it easier to grow your business," he concluded.