Firebird Technologies Inc. takes off

Firebird Technologies Inc. officially opens the doors of itsnew facility in Trail on May 17, 2011

Don Freschi said Firebird Technologies' newly expanded facility will bring new opportunities for the company. — photo courtesy Firebird Technologies Inc.

When 5NPlus Inc., a leader in the special metal and chemical products industry from Montreal, purchased Firebird Technologies Inc. in Trail in 2009, a new 50,000-square-foot facility was planned as a result. Don Freschi, general manager of Firebird, said the official opening for this new facility is May 17, 2011. The public is welcome to attend the opening.

The expanded facility, however, is already up and running. Freschi said Firebird has expertise in the manufacture of compound semiconductor products and pure metals. 

“Half of the new facility houses the original existing facility operations with expansion,” said Freschi. “The second half houses the whole new germanium recycle stream, which will be the only one in North America.”

Freschi said the expansion is significant.

“The biggest thing is that everybody wants the North American market supply—having it here in Trail is perfect,” said Freschi. “5NPlus has positioned themselves to be a world leader in high-purity metals.”

Firebird currently has a staff of 40, and Freschi envisions the company will employ 80 to 100 people when the facility is in full operation in 2015. Most of the employees are from Trail originally.

Freschi worked with the semiconductors division of Cominco from 1984 to 1991. He has been with Firebird since 1994.