Food processor expands production, opportunities

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has invested $2 million in a Perth County food processor.

Great Lakes Specialty Meats of Canada Inc. in Mitchell, Ont. will use the investment to purchase new equipment, increase its refrigeration capacity and provide specialized training for employees.

“Improving the production capabilities at Great Lakes Specialty Meats will make us more competitive and help us supply the increasing demand for value-added pork products, domestically and internationally,” says David Schwartz, president of Great Lakes.

“This will ultimately mean more jobs for people in the Mitchell area.”

It also means the company will be able to increase its production from 5,000 hogs to 15,000 hogs per week.

The investment will also create up to 160 new jobs, retain more than 80 positions, support local hog farmers and strengthen the county.

“Perth County families will benefit from the expansion of our local Great Lakes Specialty Meats processing plant,” says John Wilkinson, member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington.

“A vibrant pork industry, supported by local processors is key to a vibrant rural Ontario.”

In May, the federal government announced an investment of nearly $4.5 million to help Great Lakes Specialty Meats improve and expand its facility allowing the company to pursue new niche markets.

Ontario’s food processing industry

Ontario’s food processing industry was the third largest employer of its kind in North America in 2008.

The industry generated $32.3 billion in revenue from goods manufactured in Ontario in 2007.