Local processor expands beyond fruitcake

Cobourg, Ont. – A Weston Foods subsidiary is moving to a newly renovated state-of-the art facility in Cobourg, Ont.

For Ready Bake Foods Inc. the new facility will mean the company can expand its production, produce new product lines, create up to 60 new jobs and help strengthen the local economy.

It will also support the region’s farmers and manufacturers by generating greater demand for local products.

Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Program helped with the project by investing $2,448,825. The province says a strong agri-food industry is part of the five-year Open Ontario Plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province’s economy.

The facility is located in Northam Industrial Park and will be expanding into a full-time operation and take over a new 18,000-sq.ft. addition to the building, reports the Northumberland News. The plant currently operates on a seasonal basis producing fruitcakes.

The investment will also retain 90 existing positions that will now become full time rather than seasonal.

“Thanks to our government’s support, this renovated facility will help grow Ontario’s agri-food sector and its workforce,” says Carol Mitchell, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“Investments like these increase demand for local food, strengthen our local economies, and create jobs for our families.”