TRENTON, N.S. (CP) -- A national representative with the United Steelworkers Union says at least three companies have shown an interest in the shuttered TrentonWorks plant in Nova Scotia.
Lawrence MacKay said Thursday a Nova Scotia firm, an Indian company and a Swedish group had each toured the plant in Trenton over the last several weeks.
He said discussions were ongoing with bankruptcy trustee Ernst and Young and the federal and provincial governments.
MacKay said the firms were interested in various ventures, from windmill construction to steel fabrication.
Meanwhile, Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac would only confirm Thursday that there is ''some interest,'' although he wasn't prepared to identify any interested parties.
''I don't want to speak in a manner that would raise expectations. Until we have somebody that is ready to sign on the dotted line, we don't have anything,'' said MacIsaac.
But when asked if the level of interest could be characterized as ''tire-kicking'' by prospective buyers, MacIsaac was prepared to go a little further.
''A few are opening the door and getting behind the wheel, but I don't think they are ready to put fuel in the tank yet,'' he said.
U.S.-based Greenbrier closed the plant in April 2007, eliminating 1,100 jobs.
The company recently applied to have the plant placed in receivership after it said it contacted more than 200 potential buyers, but could attract no bids.