Saint-Bruno-Lac-Saint-Jean, Que. – Two businesses in the agri-food sector in Quebec have received repayable loans to help them expand their operations.

In a statement, Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec Regions says the two businesses, Boucherie Charcuterie Perron Inc. and Charcuterie L. Fortin Ltée, will share $1,850,000.

That financial support, says CED, “will generate an estimated $6,569,768 in total investments in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.”

Boucherie Charcuterie Perron will receive $1,000,000, and Charcuterie L. Fortin will receive $850,000.

Both companies will use the assistance to “upgrade their equipment and facilities, shifting to Industry 4.0 by automating part of their production,” says the statement.

Boucherie Charcuterie produces hams, sausages, and specialty pork products, while Charcuterie L. Fortin produces deli meats, smoked ham, bacon and specialty pork products.

Both companies are also part of the Nutrinor cooperative and employ nearly 125 people from the region. Nutrinor has 936 farmer members and has a presence in food, agriculture, energy and hardware.