It was a perfect fall day for the dozens of guests who strolled through EIC’s open door Saturday, September 24th meeting a handful of the businesses owners at the EIC manning displays or providing tours, handing out samples, and explaining their part in the story of the revitalizing of the plant.

The Elgin Innovation Centre (EIC) is well known in the area for being a very large facility, the formal Imperial Tobacco Plant, and current home to more than 22 innovative businesses.

Precision Fabrication Inc. eagerly offered guests tours of their operation showcasing their sophisticated systems for cutting and welding metal products used for shipping car parts. Albert Wiebe, owner of the company, was delighted to meet so many people from the community, “I feel like the event was a huge success…” He noted, “There was a lot of interest from community members in what had become of the old Imperial buildings, and they were thrilled to see a successful production facility that benefits the whole community by employing 80 to 130 of its members in year round employment.”

Planet Shrimp’s display included a small aquarium of living, 10 ounce shrimp which greatly amused everyone—even surprising some shrimp ring fans with what the animals look like with their heads on. While final construction activities and the proprietary nature of their technology keeps them providing tours to the public, they will be accepting applications for employment in the coming months as they ramp up to full operation.

Roxanne Esseltine, owner of Raw for Pets, connected instantly with the pet owners among the visitors as she passed out samples of her raw and dehydrated pet food and snacks—products you can trust your pets’ health with. She reflected “I think the Doors Open event is a great Idea… It is important for the community to understand what is being done in Elgin.”

We appreciate the supportive efforts of the Aylmer Councillor Arthur Oslach who will be spearheading next year’s event, the year of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Tags:doors openelgin innovation centreaylmer ontarioimperial leaf tobaccoimperial tobaccoplanet shrimpPrecision fabricationnaturawlsontario shrimp farmontario raw pet food