ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--SEAGULL PEWTER POISED FOR GROWTH ----------------------------------------------------------------- Seagull Pewter is firmly rooted in rural Nova Scotia, and its Pugwash plant is now poised for growth. "Our plan is to double capacity in Pugwash," said chief executive officer Jerry Amirault. "We're now working on an extensive management-training program so that employees will be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities." The growth is expected to take place during the next three to five years. Amirault said it will mean more jobs and a stronger operation in Pugwash. The company currently employs 400 people in Cumberland County, sells its products internationally and invests in philanthropic activities around the world. These are just some of the reasons why the province has partnered with Seagull. That partnership involved a $2-million guarantee from Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism. This makes the province a third party that would repay the money if Seagull defaulted on its financial arrangements with its bank. In return for the province's backing, Seagull has agreed to maintain all jobs related to the activities of its Nova Scotia company within the province. The guarantee, first issued in 1992, has been reduced by half and continues to be reduced. "Guarantees are just one way the province works with business to create jobs and increase exports," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "In Seagull's case, we're helping a home-grown success story continue to build locally and expand internationally. The guarantee demonstrates our faith in Seagull, and in return Seagull continually provides quality long-term employment for our workers." The company has used the guarantee to market its products in Asia and to help gear up for growth at its Pugwash plant. Seagull has had many expansions since John Caraberis and Bonnie Bond started in a farmhouse on Rabbittown Road in 1978. The company now sells its giftware -- ranging from key chains to champaign glasses -- to thousands of stores in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and the Far East. Getting Nova Scotia products into international markets requires companies to reach out and expand. For Seagull, improving its competitive position in the global marketplace required a presence and has meant establishing sister companies in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Australia. "Thanks to government support, we've been able to focus our attention worldwide," said Mr. Amirault. "Ultimately, that has meant more resources to sustain the entire operation. The growth at Pugwash wouldn't be happening without the business we're generating elsewhere." The company's actions haven't gone unnoticed. Recently, Seagull Pewter received the High Commissioner's Award from the United Kingdom. The award is presented annually to a company that has made an outstanding contribution to increasing trade between Canada and the United Kingdom. Seagull does more than just invest in pewter production. It also supports community-based environmental and humanitarian initiatives. The Seagull Foundation has supported numerous projects both at home and abroad. Provincially, it has been involved in projects including The Nature Conservancy on the estuary of the Pugwash River, wilderness preservation areas in Cape Breton and ocean studies at Brier Island. The company also supports a wilderness summer camp for Nova Scotia youth at risk and a Clean Nova Scotia Foundation environmental newsletter for Grade 4 students. Seagull employees have also planted more than 50,000 trees in Cumberland County. Globally, the company has planted more than a million trees in countries such as Peru and Kenya. Seagull Pewter is also active with the World Wildlife Fund, the Hunger Project, Foster Parents Plan, CARE Canada and the Sierra Club. "When people see the good things this Nova Scotian company does, it enhances the province's image around the world," said Amirault. "They learn where Nova Scotia is and recognize Seagull is committed to more than just its business activities." "Seagull Pewter is a success story of which we're justifiably proud," added Mr. MacDonald. "As the company expands its operations within the province, even more Nova Scotians will be a part of its success." -30- Contact: Angela Poirier Economic Development and Tourism 902-424-7008 E-mail: econ.poirieam@gov.ns.ca Heather Scott Seagull Pewter 902-243-2516 trp July 23, 1997 - 1:45 p.m.