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News release

Federal investment will boost production for Cape Breton small business
February 12, 2025 · Margaree, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Supporting Atlantic Canadian manufacturers strengthens the economy, creates jobs, and brings more locally made products to market. The Government of Canada is helping a Cape Breton company scale up, modernize and showcase the region’s renowned craftsmanship.
More Space, More Possibilities
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, together with Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced a repayable contribution of $400,000 to Larch Wood Enterprises. The company specialises in producing high-end wooden cutting boards, custom countertops, flooring and more.
The investment will help Larch Wood Enterprises expand its current facility, construct a second manufacturing building and purchase advanced sanding equipment. These upgrades will allow the company to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and increase production capacity. The project, which is expected to create two new jobs, will help Larch Wood meet growing demand from both domestic and international markets.
Today’s announcement reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to help small and medium-sized businesses seize new opportunities, compete globally, and grow sustainably.
Quotes
“Your federal government is investing to help rural businesses like Larch Wood do what they do best—create incredible products and find even more customers. Supporting local manufacturers grows our small communities, creates jobs, and keeps Atlantic Canada strong.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Larch Wood is a true Cape Breton success story born from passion, craftsmanship, and dedication. What started as a small group of skilled woodworkers has grown into a thriving business with global demand. This support ensures the company no longer has to turn down its growing number of orders, allowing it to take advantage of new opportunities.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
“It’s been an exciting few years for our business. The unprecedented increase in demand for our product from all over the globe has really kept us on our toes. We’ve been having banner year after banner year and are just bursting at the seams of our current set up. The support of all levels of government on our expansion is so appreciated to help meet this demand and also create a better working environment for our team.”
- Liam O’Rourke, General Manager, Larch Wood Enterprises Inc.
Quick facts
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Larch Wood Enterprises Inc. specializes in professional-quality end-grain kitchen cutting boards, as well as flooring, custom countertops, chopping blocks, stools, and more.
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The company employs 25 people and exports over 50% of its products to North America, Europe, and Asia. It also operates three retail locations in Nova Scotia.
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Today’s investment is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Selig
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Liam O’Rourke
General Manager
Larch Wood Enterprises
514-318-6352
liam@larchwoodcanada.com
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