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A major manufacturing investment in Alberta has officially opened its doors, bringing new jobs and economic activity to Wheatland County.

CGC Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its new wallboard manufacturing plant, a $210-million project that is expected to create nearly 100 permanent full-time jobs while strengthening the supply of building materials across Western Canada.

The facility represents one of the largest recent manufacturing investments in the province and was supported through Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund. Provincial officials say the project demonstrates continued confidence in Alberta as a destination for business investment and industrial development.

The project was first announced in 2022 through a collaborative effort involving CGC Inc., the Government of Alberta, Wheatland County and Invest Alberta. In addition to the nearly 100 permanent positions created by the plant, approximately 200 construction jobs were generated during the facility's development.

According to Alberta's government, the new operation is among the most technologically advanced facilities in CGC's manufacturing network and will help improve the supply of wallboard products for builders throughout Western Canada.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said investments of this nature highlight Alberta's competitive business environment and the province's ability to attract private-sector growth.

CGC Inc. President Steve Youngblut said the new Wheatland County facility strengthens the company's long-term commitment to Western Canada while creating high-quality jobs and supporting the construction industry with reliable access to building materials.

The project received $3.7 million in support through Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund, a provincial program designed to attract investments that create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Since 2021, the fund has supported 17 projects across Alberta, helping generate nearly 1,400 permanent jobs and more than 1,750 temporary positions while leveraging more than $1 billion in private-sector investment.

Local officials also welcomed the project. Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge said investments such as the CGC facility help strengthen regional economies and create opportunities for local families.

Invest Alberta Acting CEO Keith Bradley noted that the project enhances Western Canada's access to essential building materials while improving supply chain resilience and supporting Alberta's growing manufacturing sector.

Provincial officials say manufacturing investments like the Wheatland County facility play an important role in diversifying Alberta's economy, strengthening supply chains and creating employment opportunities in rural communities.

CGC Inc., founded in 1907, has supplied building materials to Canadian markets for nearly 125 years and continues to expand its presence across the country through investments in modern manufacturing facilities.

For more information about the Investment and Growth Fund, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/investment-and-growth-fund.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.