Ontario invests in Lakeside Produce

The Ontario government is investing in Lakeside Produce Inc. to expand the company’s Leamington plant, creating 203 new jobs and retaining 312 positions.

“I am thrilled Lakeside Produce is expanding their operations and creating so many new jobs for the people of southwestern Ontario,” says Brad Duguid, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. “Lakeside is a leader in developing innovative new technologies to distribute top quality produce. Companies like Lakeside are growing our economy by providing good jobs and strengthening our exports.”

Lakeside Produce grows, ships and markets vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and specialty tomatoes. With more than $1 million from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Lakeside will expand its facility to meet increased demand from major retail customers.

The company plans to install state-of-the-art equipment in the new processing space to increase efficiency and production capacity. The project has a total value of almost $7 million and is expected to be complete by fall 2019.

“Leamington is well known for producing high quality vegetables and being an economic hub for Ontario’s agri-food sector. Through our government’s investment of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, it will allow Lakeside Produce to expand and build on this success as it continues to contribute to our provinces growing agri-food sector. The modernized plant will help support the creation of new jobs, retain jobs and grow Leamington’s economy to develop new opportunities for the local community and its members,” says Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“At Lakeside we know the value of providing smart, healthy choices to our growing consumer base,” adds Chris Cervini, president and CEO, Lakeside Produce. “We take pride in our passion for producing top quality products and we welcome this partnership with the Ontario government — we share a vision of bringing fresh, locally grown produce to the people of our province and our export partners.”