Planning for Bluegreen’s expansion in Canada is well underway. The next steps are to get key personnel, equipment and the production site in place before production begins. At the same time, we are building a local team that will play a central role in the project.
“Now, the pieces are starting to fall into place,” says Project Manager Regine Obrestad Kverme.
The first important step is to get key personnel from Norway in place in Canada. Kent and Anne will be the first to relocate, hopefully before the end of the year. Kent will take on a key role on site, while Anne will have an important administrative role, bringing with her 35 years of experience in finance. The process of securing the necessary work permits is already underway.
At the same time, preparations for the production site are underway. Cranes, tents, welding equipment and other essential equipment must be in place before operations can begin in full.
Production is scheduled to start in early 2027. The first phase will involve prefabrication inside the tent. The work will then move outside, where the larger structures will be assembled on site.
But the Canada project is not about simply transferring Norwegian expertise across the Atlantic. An important part of the plan is to build local expertise and capabilities.
Bluegreen is working with North Island College (NIC) on training. The theoretical part of the training will take place at NIC, while practical training will be carried out together with Bluegreen.
“It is important for us to train local workers and build expertise that remains in Canada. This is also an important part of our agreement with Ocean Supercluster,” says Regine.
Once the project is fully staffed, the team is expected to consist of more than 50 people. The majority will be locally hired employees, supplemented by contracted personnel from local companies and key personnel from Norway.
Some of the Norwegian personnel will be based in Canada for a large part of the project period, while others will work on a rotational basis. They will contribute in areas including supervision, technical disciplines and welding.
“ The aim is to build as much expertise locally as possible. A large share of the workforce will therefore be recruited in Canada. Regine Obrestad Kverme
The project will not only create jobs directly at Bluegreen. It will also generate significant business for local suppliers and companies.
In addition to the employees working directly in production, subcontractors will be needed for services including electrical installations, waste management, diesel supply, crane trucks, mobile cranes, workwear laundry and a wide range of other services. There will also be demand for accommodation, food and other goods and services for those working on the project.
The project will therefore create ripple effects far beyond the production site itself.
For Bluegreen, this is an important part of the investment: We will bring the experience and expertise we have built in Norway while, at the same time, developing a strong local professional environment in Canada.
