Niche Manufacturing & Value-Added

One of Chester Municipality’s longest standing and most innovative sectors, Niche Manufacturing / Value-Added, is a vibrant local economic engine based manufacturing niche, high-value products derived from locally sourced inputs.

By the numbers

Key Sector Stats

2

5

28

12

Our Niche Manufacturing / Value-Added sector features 2 advanced manufacturers, 5 food & beverage makers, a 28 ton capacity marine crane (Canada's largest) and 12 hundred roll-fed thermoformers installed worldwide.

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SECTOR FOCUS

The sector encompasses different industries with a focus on Forestry, Food & Beverage, Artisan and Advanced Manufacturing.

Forestry

Maibec CanExel: A large manufacturer of engineered wood siding, Maibex CanExel is a significant employer and have well-developed export markets.

Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association: The Municipality of Chester resides in Lunenburg County which is the Christmas Tree capital of the world. Our local Christmas Tree industry is concentrated and has well-developed export markets. Local producers include G&C Hughes Enterprises Ltd. and J&M Reeves Christmas Greens Ltd.

Food & Beverage

Black Harbour Distillers: Crafters of fine blended spirits producing White Rum, Maple Rum and Blueberry Vodka.

Bulwark Cider: Owner operated value-added beverage company focused on apple cider products with well developed export markets.

Tanner & Co. Brewing: Independent brewer focused on using traditional German Ale styles to produce unique craft beers.

South Shore Sea Salt: A family-run business producing high quality, handmade, small batch sea salt.

Cedar Bay Grilling Company: A family owned producer of frozen seafood products, Cedar Bay has won several prestigious awards in North America and the U.K.

Artisan

Nor'easter Apparel : locally owned and operated clothing and accessory line.

Playwear: award winning upcycled sustainable apparel and accessories.

Advanced Manufacturing

Hawboldt Industries: Designing and building made-to-order deck equipment, Hawboldt works with vessel owners and designers in the ocean science, workboat, oil & gas, national defense, and general shipbuilding industries.

Vale Packaging: Manufacturing custom plastic packaging for food growers, processors, bakers, and manufacturers throughout North America.

The Municipality of Chester is home to approximately 10,600 people and due our proximity to Halifax, our commercial sector has the added value of being able to draw from their workforce of 432,000 strong. Over 40% of residents commute outside of the Municipality, with approximately 30% of those working in Halifax.

Local Spotlight

Lunenburg County

Christmas Tree Capital of the World

There is estimated to be more than 15,000 acres of Christmas trees in production in Nova Scotia, with the majority in Lunenburg County. The industry features 300 growers, providing 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs and exports to international markets of about $9 million.

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Hawboldt Industries

Manufacturer of Canada’s largest, most complex marine crane

Hawboldt Industries was founded in 1906 as a supplier to the fishing industry. Since it has evolved into a world-renowned designer, manufacturer and exporter of engineered marine equipment.

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Cedar Bay Grilling Company

Manufacturing award-winning frozen salmon products

Cedar Bay Grilling Company is a family owned, locally operated company producing frozen seafood products. Their manufacturing facility in The Municipality of Chester maintains AA certification with BRCGS meeting high global standards in food safety, food quality, and regulatory compliance.

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