Picture of David Orazietti looking at Terry Rainone's rocks

Since this spring, Terry Rainone and his Palmer Construction Group have been producing at least three types of sand, two types of rock and gravel from a new facility on Third Line.

Today, Sault MPP David Orazietti, local dignitaries and media representatives were treated to a tour of the facilities, as Orazietti announced the Ontario government was investing $785,500 in the business.

The Palmer aggregates pit was established in 2009 but didn't begin production until this spring.

Rainone said the pit has an expected lifespan of 160 years and he hopes to be selling some of the product outside the community in the next few years.

The project retains 50 positions in the community and creates five new high-skilled jobs as well, he said.

Rainone is seen showing Orazietti one of the many products that will be coming out of the facility for use locally.

************************* Orazietti announces $785,500 investment in local business to manufacture aggregate products

McGuinty government delivering jobs and economic growth in Sault Ste. Marie

SAULT STE. MARIE – The McGuinty government is investing $785,500 in Palmer Construction Group Inc. to support the company’s expansion and manufacturing of aggregate products for use in its own construction business, as well as to supply the local market with value-added aggregate materials, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“Our government understands the importance of investing in local businesses and creating opportunities that help contribute to strengthening Sault Ste. Marie’s economy,” said Orazietti. “We have increased the NOHFC’s budget by $10 million this year, bringing it’s total to $90 million, so that this program can further assist locally owned and operated businesses add value to their products, which creates greater economic stability and increases the overall value of goods produced in northern Ontario.”

The province, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s (NOHFC) Enterprise North Job Creation Program, is providing Palmer Construction Group Inc. with $785,000 to support a $2.5 million project.

The local aggregate and construction business will also be using the funding to purchase additional equipment that crushes rock into various aggregate materials and equipment, such as a heavy loader, an excavator and a scale.

“Palmer Aggregates Inc. and its sister company Palmer Construction Group Inc. and all the employees of the companies are grateful and appreciative of the assistance provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund in helping us develop this valuable resource,” said Terry Rainone, President of the Palmer Construction Group. “The provincial government’s assistance made this important project a reality and further allows our company to vertically integrate its operations and become more self sustaining and efficient.”

Since 2003 the NOHFC has approved $27 million for 237 projects in Sault Ste. Marie.

These investments have resulted in new jobs in our community and allowed for $107 million in infrastructure and business projects to be completed.

In 2009-2010 the NOHFC’s programs have led to more than 940 projects across northern Ontario, which has helped create and retain more than 2,300 jobs for northerners.

Some of the key NOHFC investments in Sault Ste. Marie include:

- $5 million Agawa Canyon Tour Train

- $4.7 million Essar Centre

- $2.5 million Heliene Canada Inc. - Solar Module Manufacturing Pant

- $2.1 million Flakeboard Ltd. expansion

- $2 million Sault College - IT infrastructure, Multi-Media Centre, Wind Energy Training Centre

- $2 million Ellsin Environmental Ltd. - Tire Recycling Plant

- $1.5 million Huron Central Rail line ($15 million MEI funding)

- $1.6 million Hub Trail & Waterfront Walkway Expansion

- $1 million Algoma Public Health – Technology

- $1 million City - Emergency Response Centre (EMS)

- $1 million Old Stone House Discovery Centre

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