233067
232178
Vernon  

Big jobs for new plant

Up to 200 jobs could be created by a new manufacturing plant that will make an environmentally-friendly building product on the site of the old Lavington glass plant site, according to the new and local owner.

However Mike Molnar admits those jobs won't come overnight.

Molnar and his wife, Sharon, who own Vernon-based Restoration Land Inc., bought the 92-acre parcel last week from Owen-Illinois Inc.

“We've begun preparing and cleaning,” Molnar said, ahead of a tour of the massive site that holds warehouses that span acres.

Such is the importance of manufacturing jobs to the region, Molnar's press conference was attended by local mayors and regional officials.

“Vernon is back. It's time to make progress,” Molnar said.

A total of 300 people lost their jobs when the glass plant closed in 2008.

“Our goal is to work towards creating 150 to 200 new jobs, plus ancillary jobs from this company alone,” Molnar said.

He said significant ancillary jobs would be created from two complementary businesses that would start up on the site, making panelling and building engineered homes.

Molnar also envisions an eco park that would allow 20 to 25 companies to operate on the gigantic lot.

Local politicians have their fingers crossed as the Molnars embark on this big venture.

“This is exciting,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. “We'll work together to make it happen because it is important for our region."

Molnar hopes to begin operations sometime in the second quarter of 2017.

However his first order of business is to put a new roof on the 7.5 acre roof of the plant.

He refused to disclose the price tag for the acreage, calling it fair for everyone involved in the deal. It was posted earlier this year for $5 million.



More Vernon News

232391