Two businesses based in Porcupine have picked up money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
Timmins MPP and Mines Minister George Pirie announced that Missinaibi Drilling Services is getting $156,379 to buy another drill rig and other equipment to serve the mining industry.
And Robert Rubino and Sons Trucking picks up $283,953.
“This is to purchase new equipment to expand their facility and trucking fleet,” Pirie said in announcing it. “It’s all about getting the trucks back on the road quicker.”
The family-owned business hauls ore from Pan American Silver’s Timmins West operation to the Bell Creek Mill.
Pirie openly bragged about Robert Rubino and Sons. He noted that the family-owned business is into its third generation, having started with Rubino’s uncle, Joe Adamo.
“I don’t think, Robert, that you’ve ever worked for anybody else,” he stated. “You’ve run your own business, you’re an entrepreneur and that tradition continues with your son and your son-in-laws and your daughters. It’s a family business.”
Rubino confirms that both he and his son Domenic – the future owner – have been working for the family company since high school.
Pirie urges any Northern Ontario business to apply for money from the Heritage Fund. He says the spectrum is wide open.
