Marine technology facility, Nautican, opens in Summerside

Province looks to develop marine technology on the island

Image | Propeller - Nautican facility - Slemon Park - 06/12/16

Caption: Nautican Research and Development will specialize in building high-efficiency marine propulsion products. (Nicole Williams/CBC)

Nautican Research and Development, a company that specializes in high tech, energy efficient rudders, propellers and other propulsion products for work boats, has opened a new location in Summerside, P.E.I.
The company will occupy a warehouse in Slemon Park, a drastic change from Nautican's primarily American operations.
Elizabeth Reynolds Boyd, president of Nautican, said P.E.I. offers a unique set of advantages for marine technology development.

Image | Elizabeth Reynolds Boyd - President of Nautican - Slemon Park - 06-12-2016

Caption: Elizabeth Reynolds Boyd, president of Nautican, said the facility should be fully functioning by 2020. (Nicole Williams/CBC)

"This location is good for us in terms of being able to ship to our customers in the U.S. and to receive components from Europe," said Reynolds Boyd. "And the people here. I find that the quality of employee that we find here is really very good."

21 new jobs

Nautican officials said the facility will develop 21 new full-time jobs over the next three years, in addition to the six employees already on staff.

Image | Nautican manufacturing facility - Slemon Park - 06/12/2016

Caption: Nautican plans to create 21 full-time jobs on P.E.I. over the next three years. (Nicole Williams/CBC News)

As part of the partnership with the province, Nautican receives a partial rebate on rent and employee wages in their first year on the Island.
"We look forward to growing through the partnership," said P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan. "And for companies to be successful, right here in Slemon Park."