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BioAmber Announces Commissioning Phase; Close to Full Commercial Operation
 On March 3, 2015, BioAmber announced that it has initiated commissioning activities for its 30,000 MT capacity bio-succinic acid plant located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. In 2011, BioAmber announced that it had chosen Sarnia, Ontario, Canada as the site for its global-scale plant; the world's first commercial scale production plant of its kind. Sarnia's unique chemical and transportion infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, excellent post-secondary education institutions, and proximity to rich agricultural land made it the ideal place for BioAmber's bio-based succinic acid plant. "Sarnia was among more than 100 North American sites considered for the plant," said Mike Hartmann, BioAmber's Corporate Affairs Vice-President. Sarnia was the top choice, he said, because of an abundance of corn; nearby facilities that make glucose; easy access to shipping channels; strong government support; nearby colleges and universities; a skilled work force; and existing infrastructure. The announcement of BioAmber's investment helped position Sarnia-Lambton as a hub for bio-chemical research and innovation. Since 2001, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has been focused on developing the biohybrid chemistry cluster; working with companies like BioAmber to further diversify the region's economy and establish the conditions for long-term prosperity in southern Ontario. The March 2015 commissioning and start-up is expected to take approximately five months, with the facility being in commercial operation in Q3 2015. The company expects construction to be completed in two months and it is carrying out commissioning and start-up activities in parallel. The cost of the project continues to track within the original budget estimate of US$125 million +/- 10%. "This is a significant milestone for BioAmber, which is poised to begin a period of rapid growth," said Jean-Francois Huc, Chief Executive Officer. "During the commissioning phase we will test the plant and get it running section by section, produce bio-succinic acid and qualify it with our customers and begin to sell product that meets specifications. We plan to be in full commercial operation in Q3 2015, by which time we can reliably supply customers including our take-or-pay contracts." BioAmber is an industrial biotechnology company producing sustainable chemicals including succinic acid and butanediol. Succinic acid is used in a variety of products, including plasticizers, automotive parts, disposable cutlery and cosmetics. BioAmber has distribution in North America, Asia and Europe. For more information about BioAmber and to read the full media release click here. Photo: BioAmber construction, 2014 |
Food For Thought: He's Here to Help You Through The "Process"
Do you have an idea or interest in starting a food processing business? Maybe you have a great sauce recipe, or perhaps an idea for a confectionery product that would improve the art of baking. Matthew Slotwinski is available for free confidential consultations to assist with food processing in Sarnia-Lambton. Don't hesitate to contact Matthew at matthew@sarnialambton.on.ca or (519) 332 1820. Photo: Local Entrepreneur, Chef Paresh Thakkar
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Queen's Park Trip: Advocating for Sarnia-Lambton
The Economic Partnership is taking part in the Queen's Park trip on March 10 and 11, 2015. The trip was organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. The local delegation has a full agenda, with the first day focused on advocacy. Small groups of three to four people will meet with Ministers and their policy teams. The delegation from Sarnia-Lambton will share solutions that will drive economic growth in southwestern Ontario and help the Ministers achieve their mandates. Meetings will also be arranged with opposition critics and PC leadership hopefuls. On the second day the group will host a community showcase reception highlighting the opportunities and wonders of Sarnia-Lambton. To learn more about this initiative and the objectives of the trip visit the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber website.
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Excited or Overwhelmed by Technology?
 Either way, you may want a little help. New and existing small business owners can now access Lambton College students through CubeIT for assistance with their e-business needs, from building basic websites to helping small businesses navigate and incorporate new technology into their businesses. In addition to free one-on-one assistance, they are holding weekly sessions focused around the kinds of technologies and best practices that are needed to succeed as a small business in the IT space. CubeIT is a software and app development lab and co-working space to support young entrepreneurs looking to get into a dedicated space and collaborate with like-minded individuals. CubeIT is focused on building new products that can be leveraged into successful businesses. CubeIT is located at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park. Photo: Roeland's Plant Farms using smart phone to control greenhouse The Business Enterprise Centre will be partnering with CubeIT to present our March E-Business Seminar: Online Tools for Small Business March 26, 2015 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park In this half day seminar participants will learn about websites, social media and netiquette, Google rankings, and tools/apps for small businesses: CRM, bookkeeping, Office 365, in-store and online payment systems. Registration and prepayment ($25 +HST) required, please contact jeanny@sarnialambton.on.ca or (519) 332-1820 |
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Kudos for Economic Partnership
On February 12th, at its Annual Conference and Showcase, held in Hamilton, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) presented Economic Partnership GM George Mallay and Project Leader David Moody with an Honourable Mention in the category of 'Public/Private Partnerships, population 50,000 to 250,000'. Two awards were presented in this category with the City of Guelph garnering top honours. The Economic Partnership's accolade was in recognition of the organization's work to strengthen Sarnia-Lambton's metal fabrication, engineering and industrial service company sectors through the efforts of the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance (SLIA). To view the full media release click here.
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Hey Students! Go Your Own Way!
Entrepreneurship was the focus of a week long conference for grade ten students in Sarnia-Lambton. During the week of February 17th, approximately 600 students spent a full day at the Go Your Own Way Conference, learning about the lifestyle, challenges and benefits of being their own bosses. Throughout the week students were encouraged to become job creators while hearing advice and personal experiences from ten young local entrepreneurs through the "My Business, My Life, My Way" videos. The conference was led by the Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board and the video series was created by the Economic Partnership through Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy funding. To view the eight videos visit our Business Enterprise Centre YouTube Channel. Photo: Border Pass entrepreneur, Chris Smith, participated in youth conference
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More Discoveries That Matter
The new community brand, "Discoveries That Matter" is a great way for every person, organization, company or municipality to showcase our community. This brand has been designed in a way to guide the conversation about Sarnia-Lambton in a positive way! In Lambton County we create the right chemistry for discoveries that matter.
Have you downloaded your customized "Discoveries That Matter" logo yet? There are currently ten unique logos available for download, including: Lambton County; Sarnia-Lambton; Brooke-Alvinston; Grand Bend; Lambton Shores, The Township of St. Clair; Forest; and Warwick Township. We are waiting for your request so we can create a logo representing your unique geographic location within Sarnia-Lambton. The best part is, it's free! Just send us a request and we will place the order with our graphic designer. To download a logo or make a request visit www.discoveriesthatmatter.ca. |
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Upcoming Events
January 22- April 9- Entrepreneurship Thought Leaders Series
Thursdays 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lambton College Room P111
March 11 & 12- Pre-Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Registration required, contact jeanny@sarnialambton.on.ca
March 26- Online Tools for Small Business
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park
Registration required, contact jeanny@sarnialambton.on.ca
March 26- Sarnia Lambton Water Symposium
Lambton College Residence and Event Centre
Register by contacting sarah.shean@lambtoncollege.ca
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Recent Sarnia-Lambton Headlines
BioAmber begins commissioning plant...Grand Bend sewage project recognized...Lambton County couple receives provincial environmental honour...Lambton invention could save people dying in grain bins...Union Gas looking at $100 million expansion at Dawn...Power line improvements planned for central Lambton...One Tomato secures downtown Sarnia location... Artwalk chooses "Discoveries That Matter" ... MOE officials will meet with Sarnia-Lambton bitumen upgrader group in March... Using corn stover, wheat stalks to create bio-based chemicals, biofuels... Union Gas seeking to build new pipeline in Lambton... Solar company hopes to power up soon... Sarnia & London to explore overseas export opportunities... College plans $45-million expansion... Entrepreneurship at Lambton College gets a boost... Great Lakes and Seaway seeing major investments...Read these news articles and more here.
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Business Directory
Are you taking advantage of your free business listing in the Sarnia-Lambton Business Directory?
Contact jeanny@sarnialambton.on.ca, 519-332-1820 (toll free 1-800-972-7642) to make sure your company has a free up-to-date listing in this popular online directory! To check out the Business Directory click here!
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Telephone 519-332-1820
Toll free 1-800-972-7642
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