International Trade Minister Fast Tours Plastics Facility, Highlights Harper Government’s Pro-trade Plan

Increasing trade is key to Canadian jobs, growth and prosperity, says Minister

(No. 188 - July 6, 2011 - 1:45 p.m. ET) The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Chris Alexander, Member of Parliament for Ajax­-Pickering, and Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament for Pickering-Scarborough East, today toured the Komtech Enterprises Ltd. facility in Pickering, Ont., meeting with managers and workers to discuss the benefits of international trade to local jobs and the economy.

“Komtech is a shining example of how international trade supports families and is crucial to our communities,” Minister Fast told employees. “When Canadian businesses succeed abroad, they create jobs and prosperity right here at home.”

Komtech Enterprises Ltd. is a Canadian company that manufactures plastic injection moulding and sells its products around the world. The company employs 150 people and is a key player in today’s highly competitive global marketplace.

“Diversification and adaptability have been the key to our survival and growth over the last 10 years,” says Raj Mathur, Komtech’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Having access to an educated workforce, a low-tax business environment, a stable economy and a safe, vibrant community is part of why we have been so successful right here in Pickering.”

“Like so many communities across Canada, Ajax-Pickering depends on having access to international markets for quality jobs and vibrant, growing businesses,” said Mr. Alexander. “Our government’s pro-trade plan has real benefits for families across this community and, indeed, across the country.”

“The economy is our number one priority, and our government will continue to strengthen and broaden Canada’s trading relationships so that our companies can flourish, to the benefit of hard-working Canadians,” said Mr. Chisu.

About one in five Canadian jobs is linked to international trade. The Harper government is committed to opening new markets for Canadian businesses to create jobs for Canadian workers. Since 2006, Canada has signed free trade agreements with eight countries, and negotiations covering some 50 more are under way.

“Canadians understand that trade is a kitchen-table issue, one that concerns jobs and how people put food on the table and provide for their families,” said Minister Fast. “That is why we are working hard to help Canadian companies in communities like this one expand and succeed.”

- 30 -

A backgrounder follows.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Adam Taylor
Director of Communications and Tour
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter.

Backgrounder - Komtech Enterprises Ltd.

Komtech Enterprises Ltd. is a privately owned Canadian company headquartered in Pickering, Ont. It is an established and respected manufacturer of innovative precision plastic injection-moulded solutions and assemblies. The company was founded in 1970 in Ottawa with three moulding machines. It now has over 35 moulding machines and has operations in Ottawa, Pickering and Anderson, S.C. Komtech serves the medical, automotive, electronics and consumer industries.

Komtech also has its own proprietary line of products, which includes plastic items such as handles, suction cups, rubber bumpers, plastic feet and disposal components. Komtech is pursuing expansion in Canada and has also started production in India, where its new plant is slated for growth in the coming years.