The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced an investment of more than $167,000 into a local epoxy and resin company.

EcoPoxy, located near Morris, will use the money to increase the renewable content of its products, improve efficiency and create new jobs.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and efficiency in the agriculture, agri-food and bio-products sector. Initiatives like these help strengthen our economy and create good middle-class jobs for Manitobans, and will reduce our environmental footprint,” said Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

EcoPoxy produces epoxies and coatings from bio-based ingredients such as soybean oil and other renewable materials, which are used for floor coatings, artwork, boat building, countertops, tables and many other applications.  The funding will be used to purchase and install lab equipment to test product quality, and automated processing and packaging equipment, improving overall production levels by 80 per cent and reducing packaging costs by 75 per cent.

“Manitoba is proud to support the growth of our ag research and bio-product industries with investments like this,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.  “The important work being done at EcoPoxy advances both our economic and environmental goals in agriculture, and builds on Manitoba’s strategic advantages.  These include our growing conditions and access to bio-products such as soybean oil, world-class testing and research facilities, and innovative Manitobans who are committed to capitalizing on new ideas and opportunities.”

EcoPoxy currently employs 15 people, with two new jobs expected to be created as a result of the investment.

Jack Maendel

“EcoPoxy will benefit greatly with the addition of this equipment,” said Jack Maendel, chief executive officer, EcoPoxy.  “The testing equipment will allow us to immediately test newly developed epoxy samples and get the results within 24 to 48 hours, instead of the current process which is at great cost and takes three to four weeks.  The filling equipment will speed up our process to fulfil orders, which is currently being done by hand.”

Many of the company’s ingredients are grown in the province and its products are manufactured with bio-based materials such as soybean oil, cashew nut oil and recycled eggshells.  

Currently, some of EcoPoxy’s products are considered 53 per cent renewable content.  The investment will support the company’s goal of producing a fully renewable product.

This bathroom countertop is a sample of the work being done by EcoPoxy