A big day at Fabrene in North Bay as current and retired employees celebrated a half century of being in business in the city.

Rob Valenti is the site director at the North Bay plant.

he says their products are used in many ways including in building construction but that’s not all.

“Housewrap, roofing underlayment, the hoop buildings that you see in farms, the white shelters would be our fabric. Billboards and banners in the United States we have 60 % of the market share there,” he says.

He says they have 200 local employees and they generate $10 million dollars to the local economy.

Valenti says woven tarp was invented here but their business has changed over the years and they’ve done it with much success in North Bay.

“To stay competitive in Northern Ontario is a testament to the people. The people here are our strength,” Valenti says.

He says they ship their products around the world including to the United Stares, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Morocco.

A celebration lunch was held in honour of the milestone.

Also on hand were company and city officials.

(photos by station staff)

Filed under: 50-years, fabrene