Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF), Michael Gravelle has confirmed he was the source of remarks echoed to the media by Dryden Mayor Craig Nutall on the wood cutlery manufacturer Aspenware’s prospects in Dryden.

Last week the city’s economic development agency claimed that Nutall’s remarks in the previous edition of the Dryden Observer were   not true.

But the minister says otherwise.

“I spoke to Mayor Nuttall about a week or so ago, and the decision was made by Aspenware that indeed they were going to focus on their facility and their operation in British Columbia,” said Gravelle. “They have been able to secure an investor to work on their Generation Two prototype and want to be able to focus on the production in BC.  And then, if things go well, although I shouldn’t speak for Aspenware, they hope to locate in Northern Ontario and specifically in Dryden.”

Nutall claims he didn’t say anything that wasn’t and still isn’t true.

“I would welcome anyone to our city, especially Aspenware,” he said. “A lot of people have been after me, asking me about what’s going on. You have to remember, I did not make the announcement — it was the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests Mike Gravelle that said they (Aspenware) were going to concentrate on B.C. before they come to Ontario and that it was on hold.  If they still want to come, our arms are open wide.”

A subsequent press release from Aspenware reinforced the company’s interest in Dryden. It also states that the company wishes to strengthen its overall position before expansion into Northwestern Ontario. Originally, the company had projected to have a Dryden manufacturing facility in place by August 2010.

Aspenware’s president, Terry Bigsby said, “Building the first Gen-II line in Vernon has always been our go-forward strategy. It enables us to take full advantage of the expertise and experience of our local staff.  Northwestern Ontario is a perfect location for our plans for future expansion as it is a region rich with wood fibre, close to important distribution channels, and has a wealth of forestry expertise across a number of locations”.

Aspenware has been in high-level discussions with MNDMF officials to secure a provincial loan guarantee and wood supply that would support Aspenware’s expansion plans once the Gen-II production process is proven at its Vernon facility.

As for Aspenware’s efforts to obtain loan guarantees from the government, Gravelle says funding discussions have wrapped up and when Aspenware is in a position to move forward with Ontario operations, he would welcome them back to discussion about what ever programs the Ministry has in place.

Aspenware says it has received strong support for its future expansion plan into Northwestern Ontario.

“We have been especially pleased by the reception our development plans have received from MNDMF, and the Ministry’s willingness to assist us in securing the long-term debt we’ll need to build a production facility in Northwestern Ontario.  We have a strong business plan and expanding market demand; we now need to demonstrate a proven, reliable manufacturing process in order for the provincial government to stand behind us, and we would expect this as a requirement,” said Bigsby.  “Achieving commercial operation of the Gen-II line is the critical milestone for Aspenware as it will significantly de-risk any expansion and confirm that an Ontario facility will be mechanically reliable and economically sustainable for the long-term.”

Gravelle said, “They (Aspenware) recognize that in order for them to move into the Ontario market, Dryden specifically, they needed to have their product and their prototype being a productive and efficient product.”

“We had very positive discussions with them and we’re certainly pleased that they will still consider northern Ontario, and Dryden, once they’re in a position to do so, but again this is pretty much a mutually agreed on position they’re taking and we will welcome them back when they are able to return to the discussions about the province,” said Gravelle.

By Ally Dunham