Governors Trade Mission to Canada Reaps Results

Canadian Companies BoostWay International and Polycor Commit to Growth in Georgia

MONTREAL – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today during his inaugural trade mission to Canada that two Canadian-based companies have chosen locations in Georgia to grow their operations.

BoostWay International, a transportation/logistics company, will locate its U.S. terminal in Newnan, Georgia, representing a $1.8 million investment. Polycor, Inc., an integrated quarrier, manufacturer and wholesale distributor of granite, marble and limestone, has selected Tate, Georgia, in Pickens County, as its U.S. headquarters.

“These two companies seized on an enormous opportunity to invest resources in Georgia. They’re strengthening our economy and creating jobs for Georgians, solidifying Canada’s role as the state’s top trading partner,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I look forward to continuing a strong partnership with Canada, promoting Georgia as a travel destination for Canadian tourists and a great place to do business for Canadian companies.”

BoostWay is one of several transportation companies owned by Groupe Fortier, headquartered in Pintendre, Quebec. The company provides a variety of services including customs assistance, satellite tracking, integrated logistics services and supply-chain subcontracting. Its Newnan facility will help BoostWay accomplish its mission to meet the increasing needs for ground shipments to the northern U.S. and Canada. When fully operational, the terminal will employ up to 15 people, with payroll in excess of $600,000.

“The main reasons for our choice of Newnan are its geographical location, customer and staff potential, and the warm hospitality of the community,” said Jean Brosseau, Boostway International’s vice-president of sales and development. “Since day one, each person we met from the city, county and state has been more than cooperative. We are very pleased about our choice and anticipate full support from the community.”

Polycor, Inc., of Quebec City, the parent company of Polycor Georgia Marble, saved 70 high-paying jobs in Pickens County when it purchased Georgia Marble Dimension Stone in 2003. The company has invested almost $5 million in equipment, plant upgrades and employee training. The headquarters designation promises to bring more jobs and investment to the Georgia plant, which will process soft stone from all of Polycor’s North American operations.

“With the great business environment Georgia offers and the wonderful community support of Pickens County, we believe Polycor will thrive,” said Patrick Perus, president of Polycor, Inc. in Georgia. “These factors were instrumental in our decision to establish our U.S. headquarters in the state. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the community.”

“Polycor is a model for what a corporate citizen should be,” said Scott Evans, president of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce. “Our community was built around the marble industry, and Polycor saved it. The mills were slated to be closed when Polycor stepped in. The company is not only respectful of our history, it is putting up the resources to build upon it.”

Polycor began in 1987 as a quarrying operation and has since expanded its manufacturing capabilities with granite, tile and slab products. The company entered the “soft stone” marble market in 2003 when it acquired Georgia Marble’s three quarries and manufacturing facility in Tate. About three-quarters of Polycor’s Georgia marble is sold to governments around the world for building projects and monuments. The Georgia Marble Company, established in 1884, has furnished marble for such well-known projects as Washington’s Lincoln Memorial, the New York Stock Exchange, the Georgia State Capitol and Lenox Mall in Atlanta.

“Polycor and Boostway International bring fresh energy and innovation to their communities and to the state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Craig Lesser. “We are working hard to market Georgia’s business assets to more Canadian companies of their caliber.”