AirBoss to pump up investments

CANADIAN AirBoss of America has approved immediate capital projects for 2012 totalling US$8.8 million. Of this amount, us$6.3 million is earmarked for rubber compounding to expand practical capacities and improve efficiencies in anticipation of volume increases planned for the second quarter of the year. The remaining us$2.6 million is earmarked for the defence products business mainly to expand R&D capabilities.

While significant expenditures are planned for all three compounding facilities in Canada and the US, the largest refurbishment is planned for the Scotland Neck factory. Some of these improvements will be in place as early as January, while all are scheduled to be completed by June 2012.

The company says these changes are necessary to deal with volume demands that could see manufacturing volumes increased by over 20% in the coming year. The defence products expenditures include the completion of the new R&D facility in Quebec, which will include a state-of-the-art clean room and laboratory.(PRA)