BioAmber Sarnia’s new bio-based succinic acid plant, the first and only commercial scale production plant of its kind in the world, will receive a $12 million investment from the Harper Government to support its construction in Sarnia. The announcement was made today by Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia–Lambton, alongside the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
The plant is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs once the plant is operational at the end of 2014.
“Our Government is proud to invest in companies that are forming the foundation of a strong green economy in Canada,” said MP Davidson. “We welcome BioAmber to this community and look forward to seeing the company evolve and prosper alongside the rest of Sarnia’s growing chemical cluster.”
Succinic acid is a chemical used in the manufacturing process of many everyday products, such as plastics, cosmetics, automotive parts and construction materials. BioAmber has developed a proprietary process to produce bio-succinic acid sustainably from renewable feedstocks, instead of petroleum.
“Sarnia’s unique chemical and transport infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, excellent post-secondary institutions, and proximity to rich agricultural land make it the ideal place for BioAmber’s bio-based succinic acid plant,” said Minister Goodyear. “This investment will help position Sarnia as a hub for bio-chemical research and innovation, further diversifying the region’s economy and establishing the conditions for long-term prosperity in southern Ontario.”
A repayable contribution of up to $12 million through FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative is being provided for the construction and operation of BioAmber’s $110-million bio-succinic acid plant.
“We are grateful for the support given by FedDev Ontario to BioAmber Sarnia to build a commercial scale bio-based succinic acid plant and in helping develop a new bio-based chemical cluster in Sarnia,” said Jean-François Huc, President and CEO, BioAmber. “This initial 30,000-tonne capacity plant is an important step in changing the way the world makes products that historically have only been made through the traditional petro chemical route.”
For more information on this project and the Prosperity Initiative, please see the backgrounder.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. In Budget 2013, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to workers, families and communities in southern Ontario with the renewal of FedDev Ontario. Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $920 million over five years for the Agency, starting on April 1, 2014. As part of the renewal, FedDev Ontario will be allocating $200 million over five years for a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario.
As outlined by the Prime Minister, the Government of Canada remains focused on what Canadians care about most: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.
Source
Government of Canada, press release, 2013-08-28.
Supplier
BioAmber Inc.
Government of Canada
Harper Government
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