Laval company receives $850,000 loan from
Bio-K Plus International aims to extend business to foreign markets
Published September 23 , 2009
By Silvet Ali• TLN

On September 9, Laval-based company Bio-K Plus International Inc. obtained a $850,000 repayable contribution from the Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, Denis Lebel. The money will go towards extending the business to foreign markets, particularly the U.S, where efforts to push the company's products have already begun.
Bio-K Plus president and CEO Claude Chevalier was joined by Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière MNA Jacques Gourde, who spoke on behalf of Lebel. "By focusing on increasing its foreign market, Bio-K Plus International is meeting one of the Government of Canada's priorities," stated Gourde. "We know how important it is to assist businesses in their expansion projects so as to help them stay oriented toward growth and remain competitive both on the domestic playing field and on foreign markets."
Goal in mind
Bio-K Plus specializes in research and development of pro-biotic products and manufactures patented food products with a high concentration of live probiotics as well as preventive and curative properties. So far, the company's products have been distributed to natural food stores in both Canada and the U.S, as well as in food stores, pharmacies, and hospitals across Canada.
Now the company hopes to increase its distribution network to U.S hospitals and pharmacies, particularly in the states of New York, Florida, and California. According to CEO Chevalier, the goal is to increase the volume of exports by 150% in two years. Currently, 45% of products are shipped to the U.S. "Normally a business starts from top to bottom. We are starting from the bottom to the top," stated Chevalier.
The company received a boost with a recent research findings which will be published this fall in a European Medical Journal. "We are moving forward systematically and progressively," said Chevalier.
Work force
With the help of the contribution, paid under the Business and Regional Growth program and its Export Support component, Bio-K Plus will be able to secure the job of 80 current employees and create a further 30 new ones over the next two years. "We will be able to contribute socially as well and create new jobs and careers," stated Chevalier.
The loan was provided under Canada's Economic Action Plan which further includes help with research on regulations of target markets, hiring of representatives, design of a new brand image and production of promotional items. It also involves a public relations campaign which will include the company's participation in trade fairs. In conclusion, Bio-K Plus International is appreciative of the assistance and is looking forward to what the future brings for the Laval-based company.
For more information, please visit www.biokplus.com or visit www.plandaction.gc.ca.