From www.theobserver.ca The Observer
BioAmber Sarnia, the world‘s first commercial scale production plant of its kind has been given a $12 million cash infusion from the federal government.
This morning, the announcement was made by Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson and Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) supporting BioAmber Sarnia’s new bio-based succinic acid plant.
The plant is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs once the plant is operational at the end of 2014.
“Our Government is proud to invest in companies that are forming the foundation of a strong green economy in Canada,” said Davidson.
Succinic acid is a chemical used in the manufacturing process of many everyday products, such as plastics, cosmetics, automotive parts and construction materials. BioAmber has developed a proprietary process to produce bio-succinic acid sustainably from renewable feedstocks, instead of petroleum.
“Sarnia’s unique chemical and transport infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, excellent post-secondary institutions, and proximity to rich agricultural land make it the ideal place for BioAmber’s bio-based succinic acid plant,” said Goodyear.
“This investment will help position Sarnia as a hub for bio-chemical research and innovation, further diversifying the region’s economy and establishing the conditions for long-term prosperity in southern Ontario.”
A repayable contribution of up to $12 million through FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative is being provided for the construction and operation of BioAmber’s $110-million bio-succinic acid plant.
“This initial 30,000-tonne capacity plant is an important step in changing the way the world makes products that historically have only been made through the traditional petro chemical route,” said Jean-Fran�
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