Enligna Canada, a wood pellet manufacturer, is expanding its production capabilities in Upper Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia to meet international demands.

The province, through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), is supporting Enligna Canada with a $2.42-million term loan. This financing will help the company improve and upgrade its pellet mill facilities.

"We're pleased to see a strong international player like Enligna investing in this Nova Scotia community," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development. "The company's commitment to renewable energy will have a positive and lasting impact on the people in Upper Musquodoboit and the province."

With headquarters in Germany, Enligna's Canadian operations are the fourth-largest producer of wood pellets in Canada. The company uses sawmill and chipping waste, along with other wood byproducts that are unsuitable for sawmill or pulp operation. This material is used to produce wood pellets that are used for to generate power and heat.

"As a veteran exporter to European markets, we are seeing more and more demand for renewable energy sources such as wood pellets," said Fraser Gray, president of Enligna Canada. "This financing has helped us purchase new machinery to meet growing international demand for our products."

Enligna has expanded its operations on the former MacTara site and currently employs 58 people. The company also works with about 20 independent harvesters to supply raw materials.

"Enligna has embarked on a significant expansion and our loan program is helping the company achieve that next level of growth," said Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "Our loans help Nova Scotia companies that are at a critical stage of development and are looking for financial assistance to help secure new business opportunities."

Enligna Canada is devoted to the intelligent use of wood, a renewable raw material, to secure the regenerative energy supply of tomorrow and beyond. It offers customers a comprehensive range of services related to renewable energy from woody biomass. Its international core business is supplying wood pellets to industrial and commercial customers as well as to power plants. Domestically, in Canada, it is focused on servicing small to medium-size private and industrial users.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia's private-sector-led business development agency. NSBI is the investment-attraction arm of the province and helps businesses in Nova Scotia meet growth potential through advisory services, trade development, financing and venture capital.

Source: Nova Scotia Business Inc.