Thomas Noël, Director of Corporate Affairs, introduced the dignitaries who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 104,000 s.f. Verdun/Nordik Doors and Windows expansion in the 417 Industrial Park. Tinkess Photo
VARS – A $30 million dollar expansion will see a 104,000 square foot manufacturing facility built in the 417 Industrial Park for the Verdun Group’s Verdun windows and doors and Nordik windows Inc.
The official groundbreaking was announced on Mon., June 9 by Thomas Noël, Director of Corporate Affairs.
“On behalf of Nordik windows and doors, Verdun windows and doors. It’s a great pleasure to welcome you today for a groundbreaking ceremony,” said Noël. “We’re thrilled to begin construction of what will be 104,000 square foot state of the art manufacturing facility for windows, right here in the heart of Vars. After years of planning, this moment marks a significant milestone for our team and community.
“Since 1982 Verdun has been a trusted name in the Ottawa -Gatineau region,” added Noël. “Today, under the Nordik brand we proudly serve communities across Ontario and Quebec. At Verdun, we don’t just make windows, we build trust. We also create careers and invest in our communities like today. We are especially proud to share that this project is supported by both the provincial and federal government, through the eastern Ontario Development Fund and from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, or FedDev, to help us acquire and install innovative manufacturing equipment. These investments will allow us to scale up operations, improve productivity, and bring to market some of the most energy efficient windows in Canada,”
Giovanna Mingarelli, MP for Prescott-Russell-Cumberland, represented the federal government at the announcement.
“It’s my pleasure to be joining you today on behalf of my colleague, the Honorable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario,” said MP Mingarelli. “As your local member of Parliament, I know just how important companies and manufacturers like Nordik are to our local economy, strengthening Canada’s manufacturing sector and providing businesses with tools to scale and unlock new opportunities, enhances production here at home and helps build a stronger future.”
Today, we’re here to celebrate Nordik as they expand their operations in Canada and break ground on a new 104,000 square foot facility,” continued MP Mingarelli. “Since its establishment, Nordik has demonstrated remarkable growth, expanding its footprint in the Canadian manufacturing sector. As they begin this exciting new chapter, they’re continuing to build on a strong foundation to drive innovation, create even more local jobs and contribute to a thriving, sustainable economy for years to come. This is why I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is providing $1 million for Nordik to scale up operations in Canada while enhancing productivity and greening their operations.”
Next to speak was Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell
I have to say, I’m really happy to be here as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott- Russell, but also as the Parliamentary Assistant of the Ministry of Economic Development looking after small business in Ontario,” said MPP Sarrazin. “Like MP Mingarelli said, protecting our economy has been a priority more than ever. And we like events like this one today, where we’re doing the groundbreaking and creating jobs, and building our economy. I mean, we can’t ask for a better outcome.”
Mike Tarnowski, Mayor, Township of Russell
It’s an absolute pleasure for me to be here today to mark this exciting new chapter. It’s not just for this new chapter, not just for Verdun windows, but also for Russell Township as a whole,” said Mayor Tarnowski. “Verdun has been a valuable part in our industrial park for years, and today’s groundbreaking represents more than just a construction project. It reflects a company that’s growing, investing and choosing to deepen its roots in our community with a modern, purpose-built facility. While the mailing address may read Vars, let’s be clear, this impressive new site is proudly located in Russell Township. It’s part of our broader effort to support thoughtful, balanced growth that brings opportunity to our residents and reinforces our position as a great place to live and work.
“I would also like to thank our federal and provincial partners so MP Giovanna Mingarelli and MPP Stéphane Sarazen for being here today and for their ongoing support of our region’s economic development. Thank you to the entire Verdun and Nordik leadership team for choosing to grow with us here in Russell Township. Your investment is a vote of confidence in our township, and we’re proud to support your innovation and continued success.”
Site preparation for the facility is currently underway.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
