Page 64 T OWN OF KIRKLAND LAKE PRESS RELEASE Artisan V ehicle Systems Announces Investment in Kirkland Lake Artisan V ehicle Systems announced plans to loca te its Canadian headquarters in Kirkland Lake The California based compan y is an original equipment manufacturer OEM of zero emission battery powered mining vehicles Kirkland Lake will be the assembly and service centre for our new Z40 Haul T ruck the lar gest all battery powered truck to ever operate under ground said Mike Mayhew Director of Artisan s Min ing Division The Z40 will make it s debut at Kirkland Lake Gold KLG in January 2018 The town is a perfect location for us W e can service Kirkland Lake Gold Macassa mine which is a major client and easily access the mining market throughout northeastern Ontario and north western Quebec said Mayhew That is a key market for the Z40 and many other LHD and T rucks in the future It is specifcally designed to work in deep hard rock mines that struggle with heat and ventilation issues Its a nimble powerful vehicle with zero emissions and lots of power That means reduced operating costs and increased productivi ty for the mine It also means a healthier and safer work environment a consideration that we take very seriously at Artisan Artisan will operate temp orarily in a converted rail shop The long term plan is to build a Centre of Excellence state of the art facility in Kirkland Lake s industrial park In addition to assembly and ser vice that facility will also participate in the company s research and development for future product development Preliminary plans call for a 60000 sq ft building employing approximately 60 people Over 80 of the overall production at KLG Macassa Mine comes from Artisan s battery technology with over 200000 hours of proven production hours in under ground environment Im excited to welcome Artisan V ehicles to Kirkland Lake said Mayor T ony Antoniazzi This is a dynamic and progressive company that represents the future of mining clean green and safe The T own s economic development team is working with Artisan Funding applications have already been submitt ed to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor to support the exten sion of services and utilities to the proposed site on Archer Drive Other assistance programs will also be explored including RD funding and new investment support This is a priority for the T own said Mayor Antoniazzi Artisan refects the economic diversif cation and job creation mandate this Council set for itself at the start of its term This is the second expression of interest we have received in Kirkland Lake in 2017 the other being the package sorting facility Im confdent that it will not be the last ENQUIRIES W ilfr ed Hass Dir ector Economic Development and T ourism Corporation of the T own of Kirkland Lake T el 705 567 9361 ext 243 Email wilfr edhasstklca Economic Development Department PO Box 1757 3 Kirkland St Kirkland Lake Ontario P2N 3P4 www kirklandlakeca Page 64