June 10, 2004

The Moose Deer Point First Nations, situated on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay, is dedicated to providing a sustainable community for its residents.  It was the vision of former Chief Ted Williams to pursue economic development that was not only environmentally friendly, but offered this community long-term stability, diversity and prosperity.  In order for this vision to become a reality, it was essential to create a highly skilled, knowledge-based career opportunity on the First Nation Reserve.  With assistance of Robert Schad, President of Husky Injection Moulding Systems Ltd., Niigon Technologies Inc. became a reality in this community.

Niigon Technologies Ltd. began production in October of 2001 and is a World Class Injection Moulding Facility that incorporates an ecologically-friendly process.  In this highly automated company, small plastic parts are manufactured for the automotive, greenhouse and packing industry.  Solely owned by the First Nations, this company has access to a local, well-trained workforce who is focused on supplying a high quality product to its customers throughout Canada and the United States.  Over 40% of the production of the company is exported to the United States from this Northern Ontario community.

“The planning stage for Niigon Technologies took 3 years before construction started in 2000.  This made the implementation process very easy as they did a fantastic job planning every last detail,” said Bob Dickson, CEO of Niigon Technologies.

Using Husky's new Hylectric 90-300 ton machines, the plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  “Presently we are employing 11 local residents, and we hope this will grow to 50 or 60 people by the end of the third year of operation.”  In June of 2002, the plant was officially certified with QS 9000 Quality Systems Rating.  These requirements are very high standards set by the automotive industry to ensure the production of top quality parts.  “This is the first Aboriginal company to be granted this certification and we are very proud of it,” says Dickson.

Niigon Technologies is housed in a state of the art facility surrounded by the amazing scenery of Northern Ontario.  The skylights found directly above the production floor serve two very important functions.  It grants a favorable work environment for employees and allows the company to install a photovoltaic system which reduces annual electric lighting energy by 50% and allows for on-site electricity generation.  The electricity produced at this facility enters the national grid.  Other unique features of the building include:  well insulated walls, which keep heating and cooling loads to a minimum; and high efficiency windows.  The production area was constructed clear span without any support beams which provides space for 18 working bays in an open environment.

The dividends from this rapidly growing company are placed in a trust and used to fund community projects.  “This is a very active and engaged community,” says Dickson.  “Funds from Niigon have been put in place to improve housing, education, children’s programs and many others”.  It is the community that decides where the money is most needed.  And it is the community that will decide upon their own future.