Newsletter
Summerside: Sectors Driving Growth—3
Summerside: Sectors Driving Growth
This series explores the diverse strengths of Summerside's economy.
Series 3: Light Manufacturing and Summerside Xchange
Manufacturing
Summerside's manufacturing sector, with its rich legacy in food production, continues to be a vital pillar of the local economy. The sector's successful expansion into advanced industries—such as aerospace, food processing, and clean technology—demonstrates its adaptability and commitment to innovation. By strategically focusing on exports and attracting investment, the manufacturing industry has played a crucial role in driving sustained economic growth in the region.
Key Benefits for Your Business
in Summerside
- Skilled and Loyal Workforce: Summerside boasts a highly skilled labour pool characterized by low turnover rates, offering your business stability and opportunities for consistent growth.
- Cost-Effective Operations: With a strong foundation in value-added sectors like food production, aerospace, and clean technologies, Summerside's manufacturing industry has been a cornerstone of economic development for decades. The region’s cost advantages present a compelling case for investment in this thriving sector.
When evaluating potential locations for your manufacturing business, Summerside stands out with distinct advantages that can enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Its strategic position within Canada’s Atlantic region provides excellent access to North American markets, supported by nearby transportation routes and proximity to major transportation hubs. This connectivity enables businesses to efficiently distribute products across Canada, the United States, and international destinations, ultimately reducing shipping costs and delivery times.
Moreover, Summerside boasts a competitive business environment known for its lower costs compared to larger urban centers. This includes affordable real estate, lower tax rates, and competitive labour costs. The local government actively promotes economic growth by offering a range of incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and workforce training programs. These financial benefits empower manufacturers to maximize their investments, enhance productivity, and scale operations effectively.
The Summerside community is also highly supportive of new business ventures. The city features a skilled and adaptable workforce, particularly in trades, technology, and advanced manufacturing. With PEI’s education system and local training programs, your company can access well-trained professionals ready to contribute to your success. Additionally, Summerside offers an exceptional quality of life, with a safe and vibrant community that attracts talent and fosters long-term employee retention.
Establishing your manufacturing business in Summerside means leveraging a balanced combination of financial advantages, operational efficiency, and community support—setting your company up for sustainable long-term growth.
“As a major Summerside employer and exporter of food production, the various levels of government understand the value of ADL. In 2018, the provincial government supported our major expansion, allowing us to create new jobs and increase our storage and production capacity. Also, by partnering with municipally owned Summerside Electric, we reduced our electrical costs, which offered significant savings for our industrial operation. Our ability to adapt and invest in the infrastructure and innovation needed to remain competitive is key, and in Summerside, we have done just that.”
Chad Mann
CEO, Amalgamated Dairies Limited
CEO, Amalgamated Dairies Limited
The Summerside Xchange
The Summerside Xchange is Prince Edward Island’s premier business accelerator, positioning Summerside as a global leader in the testing, validation, and scaling of next-generation products and services. By harnessing the city’s robust infrastructure, industry expertise, and strategic partnerships, the Xchange plays a pivotal role in facilitating the commercialization of innovative solutions.
We collaborate with like-minded organizations to support both startups and established businesses in developing groundbreaking products. Our primary focus is on testing, validating, and scaling technologies in real-world environments, creating an ideal platform for businesses looking to expand in the North American market.
We collaborate with like-minded organizations to support both startups and established businesses in developing groundbreaking products. Our primary focus is on testing, validating, and scaling technologies in real-world environments, creating an ideal platform for businesses looking to expand in the North American market.
“As a European-based company involved in deep technology related to wind energy, finding a willing partner with the right infrastructure, motivated people, and a positive attitude was key for us. Summerside clearly understands the speed of business and knows how to leverage its cleantech assets to help businesses like ours validate innovative cleantech products. They provide the ideal entry point into the North American market, particularly in the cleantech sector. Partnering with them has shortened the time needed to test our products, reduced our product development cycle, and de-risked our investment for further growth in North America.”
Maciej Karczewski
CEO, WindTAK
CEO, WindTAK
Key Benefits for Expanding Your Business in Summerside:
- Robust Infrastructure: With city-owned infrastructure, including advanced water, sewer, and electric utilities, Summerside rivals major global cities. Our renewable energy assets—such as wind, solar, battery storage, and fibre networks—are designed to support innovative projects and pilot opportunities.
- Long-Term Partnerships: We foster lasting partnerships that drive mutual growth and innovation, ensuring success for both parties.
- Comprehensive Data Sets: Gain access to valuable data and key informatics to validate and enhance your business decisions.
- Quick Access to Decision Makers: Benefit from fast turnaround times and direct access to key decision-makers, ensuring your needs are addressed promptly.
- Extensive Professional Network: Leverage our vast network of partners, including lawyers, accountants, and industry experts, to support your business.
- Risk Mitigation: Minimize risks by integrating into Summerside’s existing infrastructure, facilitating a smoother start-up process.
- Accelerated Profitability: Our ecosystem is designed to accelerate your profitability, supported by over 20 years of innovation and commercialization experience.
- Proven Track Record: Benefit from a wealth of testimonials, case studies, and over 100 years of subject expertise, demonstrating our capability to support your success.
- Support Systems: Comprehensive systems are in place to back your business at every step, with government partners committed to investing in your success.
- Tailored Support for Your Needs: Summerside offers customized support options to meet your specific needs. Our cost-effective business model, government-backed innovation investments, proof-of-concept testing through Summerside Xchange, and market development expertise make doing business here seamless and efficient.
- Ideal Sectors for Expansion: If your business operates in Aerospace or Information Technology (including AI), Summerside provides unparalleled growth opportunities.
Looking to Grow Your Business?
Explore Summerside’s Expansion Potential!
Explore Summerside’s Expansion Potential!
Contact Mike Thususka at mike@summerside.ca to discover how we can support your growth. Visit us today at www.bigpossibilities.ca or www.summersidexchange.com.
Summerside Quick Facts
If you are interested in learning more about investment opportunities, economic development support or opportunities for growth, please call our Economic Development Professionals.
We would love to chat.
Alternatively, you can email us at mike@summerside.ca.
It could be the most profitable email you have ever sent.
Michael Thususka
Director of Economic Development City of Summerside
275 Fitzroy Street, Summerside PE C1N 1H9
M: 902.432.0103, E: mike@summerside.ca
LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE TOGETHER!
It could be the most profitable email you have ever sent.
Michael Thususka
Director of Economic Development City of Summerside
275 Fitzroy Street, Summerside PE C1N 1H9
M: 902.432.0103, E: mike@summerside.ca
LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE TOGETHER!