Brockville Recorder: Corporate HQ supports Prysmian expansion
By Nick Gardiner
JOHNSTOWN – A hoped-for expansion of the Prysmian manufacturing plant here has received the thumbs-up from the global giant’s North American headquarters.
Prysmian Group’s Lexington, South Carolina offices announced this week an undisclosed investment in the Johnstown expansion, originally proposed in April.
The expansion will increase the site’s production of medium and low-voltage energy cables and is projected to add 15 jobs to a workforce of 200 people.
The investment shows “confidence for growth in the Canadian and North American markets” served by an “ideally situated” plant, says a press release from the parent company.
Plant manager John Edwards said the quality of the local workforce and support from corporate headquarters has allowed the site “to build a foundation for success.”
He added the local management team “looks forward to the opportunity to support and grow our customer base.”
Ann Weir, economic development manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, said the plant expansion and corporate investment in the site is “outstanding news for this region.”
Prysmian is one of the counties’ top-10 private sector employers and continuing growth is welcomed, said Weir.
“They are community leaders dedicated to making the region a competitive industrial hub,” she added.
The corporate commitment will help pay for new equipment within the existing floor space of a building first constructed by Pirelli Cables.
Edwards said a growing demand for cables in sustainable energy projects such as windfarms has boosted sales at the local plant.
A low Canadian dollar is also attracting a larger customer base south of the border as well, he added.
A formal unveiling of the plant expansion is expected to be scheduled later this year, said Edwards.
