Ontario tomato processor/canner expands

Maidstone, Ont. – An Ontario tomato processor and canner has received a $3-million investment from the province.

Thomas Canning (Maidstone) Ltd., which was established in Essex County in Ontario in 1933, will use the investment to help build a new state-of-the-art fruit and vegetable processing facility that will create 40 new full-time jobs.

The company says that the news of Heinz closing its plant in Leamington, Ont. was the catalyst for Bill Thomas, president of Thomas Canning, to pursue his company’s expansion plan.

“Because of the funding we received, our company will now be in a position to create more good local jobs and grow our business domestically and internationally,” said Thomas.

Local media reports say the expansion won’t make up for the hole left by Heinz, but it will process a significant amount of locally grown tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.

Thomas Canning was started up by Will and Grace Thomas and their sons. The company remains a family owned operation today. Thomas Canning offers whole tomato products, diced and cut tomato products, sauce and paste products, juices and cocktail products, organic products and specialty products.

The company says it has built relationships in China, North America and Nigeria and will continue to work on its export strategy.

Pictured from left to right: Tracey Coleman, Food Safety and Quality Control supervisor and executive assistant to the vice-president, Thomas Canning; Gary McNamara, deputy warden of Essex County and Tecumseh mayor; and Bill Thomas, president of Thomas Canning.