Two dairy processors in St. Marys, Ont. have received more than $2 million from Ottawa’s Dairy Processing Investment Fund.
“This investment will help these local businesses expand and create opportunities for growth and economic development in St. Marys,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. “The government is pleased to work together with industry to ensure our Canadian dairy processors have the support needed to provide top-quality products, while creating well-paying jobs for Canadians.”
The investment of $1,933,060 for Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P. will help to expand their production area and add new cold storage capacity. The project consists of the purchase and installation of equipment in order to increase production capacity, while improving overall efficiency.
“Saputo is very pleased with this announcement,” said Sandy Vassiadis, vice president, communications and corporate responsibility, Saputo Inc. “This grant provided under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Dairy Processing Investment Fund will go towards improved operational efficiency at our plant and assist in meeting future demand for our high quality specialty dairy products.”
It is expected that the project will allow Shepherd Gourmet Dairy Inc. to increase the use of Canadian milk and to create approximately eight new jobs.
For Stonetown Artisan Cheese Ltd., the investment of $149,238 will allow them to purchase and install new equipment to increase cutting, processing, storage and ageing capacity. This will allow them to expand their operations and broaden their product offerings.
“This program supports growth and protects jobs created by small businesses like ours,” said Hans Weber, owner of Stonetown Artisan Cheese. “Stonetown Artisan Cheese is a family owned on-farm cheese processing plant, using whole milk from our own cows, located outside St. Marys. The increased productivity resulting from this funding will enable us to respond to the growing demand and meet our consumers expectations.”
The project is expected to create two new full-time and two new part-time jobs.
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