September 17, 2013 – The Province of Ontario today announced a grant of $1.5 million toward helping Breslau, Ont.-based pork processor Conestoga Meat Packers increase capacity while creating 100 new jobs and retaining 425 existing jobs in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
The pork processor is owned and supplied by a co-operative of 120 Southern Ontario hog farms. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Conestoga Meat Packers is investing in new cooler space and refrigeration equipment that will increase the plant’s capacity by about one third.
“Conestoga is a major employer in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and plays a vital role in connecting Ontario farmers with markets for their products both here at home and abroad,” Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment Eric Hoskins said in a release. “I’m very pleased our government is able to help Conestoga Meat Packers grow, create jobs and continue to export its high quality products with support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.”
Conestoga’s Ontario-grown pork is sold in Canada and internationally – approximately one third of its product is exported, the province noted.
“Today’s announcement supports the next phase in the ongoing development of Conestoga Meat Packers. As we grow and invest in the latest industry technologies, our overall goal remains the same – to provide the very best in great tasting, nutritious Ontario pork to our customers around the world,” stated Arnold Drung, president of Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.
Modelled on the proven Eastern Ontario Development Fund, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is helping to create jobs and diversify the economy by encouraging regional businesses to pursue innovation and new markets. Together these two funds have created and retained more than 21,000 jobs and strengthened local economies.
Ontario is accepting applications for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund from qualified businesses that are growing and creating jobs. Sectors eligible for the fund include advanced manufacturing, processing, life sciences, information and communications technology, tourism and cultural industries.
About the Author:
Canadian Meat Business has been on the cutting edge of Canada’s multi-billion dollar beef, pork and poultry processing and distribution industries since 2002.
CMB is a bi-monthly publication that discusses all aspects of the meat and meat processing industries from the gate to the plate. The magazine offers inside stories from industry professionals and regular features – such as Industry Roundup and Cross Country News – that will keep you up-to-date on news and events across Canada.