Posted on 02/07/2009, 7:49 pm, by The Dispatch
Despite chilling January temperatures, construction crews work toward the completion of the new building at the Vassar peat moss plant, which should be in operation in the near future.

Despite chilling January temperatures, construction crews work toward the completion of the new building at the Vassar peat moss plant, which should be in operation in the near future.

After months of extensive activity, construction is almost complete at the new peat moss plant in Vassar.

FPM Peat Moss Co. of New Brunswick kicked off construction of the large peat moss plant near Vassar back in May of 2008. Since then the spot has been cleared and the new 100 by 240 foot plant is almost ready for operations to begin.

Residents in the RM of Piney look forward to the completion of the facility.

Once in full production, the plant is expected to provide full time employment for at least 50 people which will make it the second largest peat moss plant to operate in the southeast corner of the province.

Andreas Avenriep, construction site superintendent confirmed the employment opportunities.

“That is expected to happen as bogs open up,” added Avenriep. “We expect to hire five to eight people and which will be gradually doubled, by summer, and fall, and as we open more of bog, the production will increase accordingly.”

The plant has obtained mineral rights and leases for approximately 3,000 acres and the company anticipates being in operation for about four decades.

The FPM Peat Moss Co., as part of the Fafard Group supplies sphagnum peat moss, soil and bark products. This is the company’s only plant in Manitoba.