Former TrentonWorks employees give Friday's announcement that the facility will reopen three thumbs up on the finishing shop floor where the announcement took place. From the left are Ernie MacInnis, Rob Thompson and Archie Davidson. (Goodwin photo)

Pictou County has entered clean energy production in a big way.
Premier Darrell Dexter announced an agreement between Nova Scotia and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Ltd. (DSME) to produce wind turbines at the former TrentonWorks site that will create nearly 500 jobs within three years.
The province is investing almost $60 million and acquiring a 49 per cent stake in the operation in Trenton.
“It will bring this plant back to life,” Dexter said. “I couldn’t be happier they selected Nova Scotia to set up this operation. The hard work has paid off.”
About 120 people will be employed within the first year of operation, he said.
That’s promising news to former employees at the former TrentonWorks rail car plant that closed in 2007.
“We have skilled workers ready to go to work tomorrow,” said Archie Davidson, who worked at the plant for four decades. “It was a sad day when it closed and there was a lot of doom and gloom, but the plant’s alive now.”
Davidson said he wasn’t convinced the plant would reopen until company and government representatives signed the agreement.
“You can’t put food on the table with rumours,” he said. “Now we can.”
The deal includes a shareholders’ agreement, with DSME contributing $20.4 million and holding 51 per cent of the operation. The province will also be represented on the board of directors.
The government’s Industrial Expansion Fund is providing a $30-million loan for new equipment, a loan of up to $6 million for working capital, and a $4-million forgivable loan to acquire land and buildings.
"This agreement is expected to support DSME's strategy of diversification into the wind-energy sector and expansion into the North American market," said Nam Sang-Tae, president and CEO of DSME. "We hope this announcement becomes the first milestone to establish a renewable energy cluster in Nova Scotia."
Meanwhile, Central Nova MP and Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced a $10 million federal contribution to the plant through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which includes a $5-million repayable loan and a $5-million contribution for adjacent land improvements.
"Our government is delighted that a company with the resources and vision of DSME will undertake the manufacturing of wind turbines in Trenton," MacKay said. "This project will put Nova Scotia in the forefront of the green revolution and provide a legacy of long-term economic benefits for the people of Pictou County and the province of Nova Scotia."
Besides its agreement with the province, DSME also signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia Power to collaborate on renewable electrical generation goals in Nova Scotia, including on-shore wind, tidal energy and offshore wind projects.
"Nova Scotia Power is delighted to welcome DSME to Trenton and we can attest to the great quality of the workforce here as well as the community's support for business," said Rob Bennett, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power.
"We look forward to exploring opportunities with DSME, not only relating to this exciting new venture in Trenton, but regarding the further development of tidal energy in Nova Scotia and building together on our existing local partnerships."