Britco, a B.C. company that constructs temporary, mobile buildings, has signed a local First Nation to be one of its partner agencies.
The memorandum of understanding with the Lheidli T'enneh establishes a Prince George-based business shared between the two entities. The sales territory will cover the Lheidli T'enneh traditional territory and some neighbouring regions.
Britco is known as a leading supplier of structures to industrial firms. Work camps, field offices, short-term classrooms and other temporary facilities are built in Britco's various factory locations.
"Britco and Lheidli T'enneh have a lot to offer each other," said LTFN Chief Dominic Frederick. "Britco's commitment to excellence and to aboriginal partnerships combined with Lheidli T'enneh's knowledge of the local and regional market is a partnership that will create opportunities for both parties."
In 2013, Britco opened a modular building rental business branch office in Prince George and has seen its business in the region expand significantly, according to company officials. With half of its approximately 1,000 employees located in B.C., Britco's growth in recent years has been the result of the investment in the energy sector in Western Canada.
"We are excited about working with Lheidli T'enneh - this is a powerful partnership," said Britco's president Mike Ridley. "Lheidli T'enneh is a nation that is business savvy and our partnership will generate a lot of value for our customers, community partners and other stakeholders."
Detailed terms of the deal were not disclosed but both parties said it would "provide jobs and skills training opportunities in the construction trades" for members of the LTFN.
Britco has partnerships with other aboriginal groups as well. They have a jobs and training agreement with the Penticton Indian Band and Seabird Island Band, each one located close to one of Britco's manufacturing plants. Britco has a deal with the Lax Kw'alaams Band similar to the LTFN pact, both being near to one of the company's regional outreach and sales branches in the B.C. north. A similar partnership exists on the south coast with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
"Britco recognizes and respects the unique circumstances of each First Nation and aboriginal community, and is committed to developing new and creative approaches to opportunities in communities where Britco has operations or projects," said Ridley.
