Sask. company's investment could bring 500 jobs to Chatham-Kent

A Saskatoon-based company was in Chatham-Kent Friday morning to announce it will be building a new Global Development Centre that's expected to attract $100 million in investments and create 500 new jobs.

On Friday Chatham Mayor Randy Hope welcomed Brightenview Development International Inc. CEO Joe Zhou, at a sod turning ceremony.

“Brightenview chose Chatham-Kent because we have created a competitive environment to attract new international business investment and jobs as well as position the community for growth,” said Hope.

 “We worked long and hard to demonstrate that we are a warm, welcoming community with a skilled workforce, excellent communications and transportation links, serviced land and a determination to provide the community support that business people deserve," he said.  

The centre, called the the first of its kind, will provide manufacturing space and a full array of support services for up to 100 small and mid-sized manufacturing companies from Asia and Europe.

“Chatham-Kent has made a significant effort in actively seeking out global businesses to invest in Chatham-Kent, and has developed a keen understanding of what it will take to attract international businesses," said Zhou.

According to the company the plan is to build up to 400,000 square feet of workshop, 250,000 square feet of warehouse distribution, and 30,000 square feet of service office space.

The centre will also provide manufacturers with Canadian support services including strategic development, administration, logistics, financial services, legal services,marketing communications and after-sale services.

The cost of designing and constructing the Global Development Centre is estimated at about $45 million. The centre is scheduled to open in spring of 2016.