Press release
Two industrial leaders testify to the strength of innovation and their commitment to Quebec
Montréal, December 14, 2010 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is thrilled with the major investments announced yesterday by Pratt & Whitney Canada and today by Rio Tinto Alcan. The Longueuil company is launching a new research and development program with a billion-dollar budget for creating a new series of engines, while the international aluminum giant is investing US$758 million to pursue the implementation of a next-generation plant in Saguenay. “With these investments, two industrial leaders are testifying to the strength of innovation and their commitment to Quebec,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade.
“To succeed, companies have to keep innovating, both in processes and products,” Michel Leblanc said. “These investments should be a signal to local companies: the time has come to make strategic investments, particularly ones that increase productivity.”
“These investments will create or retain many skilled jobs and develop efficient, clean technologies,” Michel Leblanc said. “In addition to generating direct benefits for the city and the region, they will help position Montréal among the dynamic cities that have come out of the recession.”
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca