News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has accepted an offer from MQM Quality Manufacturing for the purchase of two parcels of land, a vacant fabrication shop and industrial equipment at the Bas-Caraquet Marine Centre.

“This is a positive development, especially during COVID-19,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Andrea Anderson-Mason, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “In addition to generating $1. 6 million in revenue for the province, the sale will allow a locally owned company to expand, hire additional employees and contribute to the province’s economic recovery.”

The purchase of the fabrication shop previously leased by Groupe Ocean will allow the company to expand operations. MQM recently secured two contracts, with work to begin in early June, and intends to hire about 25 skilled workers over the next two years.

“MQM is happy to secure an agreement with the province on a facility that is important infrastructure for the region,” said Serge Thériault, company president. “This facility will be an important part of MQM’s growth vision.”

Headquartered in Tracadie, MQM has operated in the industrial construction field since 1993 and currently employs about 150 people.

The Regional Development Corporation, through Provincial Holdings Ltd., manages the operations of the Bas-Caraquet Marine Centre. The Marine Centre remains active, in addition to the boat lift service the centre provides to the lobster and crab fisheries, there are three other employers on-site; Construction Navel Atlantic, Friolet Service Maritime and R.P. Pro-Fibre.

The sale of this land supports the government’s key priority of energizing the private sector. MQM’s continued growth is an important contributor to economic recovery in the northeastern part of the province.