Strategically positioned between two of the richest trading regions in the world - North America and The European Union - Newfoundland and Labrador continues to export goods and services valued at over $11 billion to global markets. It is leading the country in real GDP growth. The manufacturing industry accounts for about 4% of GDP and 6% of employment in the province.

Investment in manufacturing activities has risen consistently over the past several years. According to Statistics Canada, manufacturing firms indicated capital investment of $213 million in 2008, an increase of 56% over 2007. While much of the province's investment is in large resource-based industries such as newsprint or refined petroleum, the medium and small manufacturing sectors have invested significantly in local operations.

Labour

• A stable labour force with a low level of employee turnover and absenteeism resulting in increased productivity and a reduction in training and overtime costs.
• Forecasted employment in 2009 is expected to be 218,100, a slight decrease from 2008, while the labour force is expected to grow slightly to 254,100 as good prospects for employment entice more people to look for work in the province.
• Development of a strong industrial base through a variety of businesses such as paper mills, metal works, aerospace manufacturing and oil fabrication.

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Infrastructure

• Industrial and manufacturing facilities/sites ready to provide businesses with a wide range of services.
• International flights and customs services to commercial and military airliners and corporate jets, as well as industry support for air cargo and transshipment services.
• The Trans Canada Highway, seven airports (four international), an inter-provincial ferry service operated by Marine Atlantic and many deep water ports make the province accessible year round.

Education & Research

• Memorial University, the largest university on Canada's east coast, has more than 17,000 full and part-time students enrolled and grants degrees annually in disciplines such as Information Technology, Engineering, Science and Business.
• The National Research Council of Canada and the Marine Institute provide modern research and development facilities.
• College of the North Atlantic, one of the largest post-secondary educational and skills training centres in Atlantic Canada, has 17 campus locations throughout the province and one in the Middle East State of Qatar. It provides a full range of technical and customized training programs.
• The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at College of the North Atlantic creates a simplified path for manufacturers to access the combined capabilities of the post-secondary education sector.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Research and Development Council (RDC) is a new Crown entity created to enhance the province's research and development capacity.

Incentives
There are a number of business and tax incentives available to businesses looking to locate to or expand in the province. For more information, Click Here.