SARNIA, ON, June 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid will visit four Sarnia chemical manufacturers today, and will hear about the chemistry sector's potential to attract significant investment to the region over the next decade.

Sarnia-Lambton is home to one of Canada's leading bio-hybrid chemistry clusters, with companies manufacturing chemicals from both petroleum and bio-based raw materials. Those chemicals form the building blocks for more than 70,000 products essential to everyday life - from clothing and pharmaceuticals, to energy-efficient homes and cars.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Minister Duguid to see first-hand the cutting-edge chemistry that's happening in Sarnia right now," said Richard Paton, President of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), the trade association representing the industry.

"Sarnia-Lambton's chemistry industry is poised for growth: it's got the infrastructure, the access to raw materials, a trained workforce, and a huge U.S. market practically on its doorstep."

CIAC estimates that Sarnia's chemistry industry could attract up to $2.5 billion in investment over the rest of the decade - much of that stemming from the region's access to shale gas liquids and biomass feedstock.

"Ontario's chemistry sector is an important contributor to our economy that supports thousands of jobs in the province," said Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid.

"The Sarnia region is a leader in Ontario's chemistry industry, developing innovative products and capabilities that drive our global competitiveness."

Minister Duguid will visit BioAmber, Imperial Oil, LANXESS and NOVA Chemicals - all of which adhere to Responsible Care, CIAC's U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative. Duguid will also tour Lambton College's Centre of Excellence for Process Manufacturing, where he'll learn about the college's training programs and innovative partnership with the local chemistry industry.

Ontario's chemistry industry is a $20-billion sector, employing 42,000 Ontarians directly, and supporting 250,000 total jobs in the province's economy.

Sarah Mayes Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (613) 237-6215 ext. 239

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Sarnia-Lambton chemistry industry poised to attract $2.5 billion in investment over coming decade; Minister Duguid to ...