Today the Government of Canada announced CAD 5 million financial support for the implementation of the new potato specialty line planned at the McCain Foods Grand Falls facility.
The announcement was made by Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, together with Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick and McCain Foods Limited officials
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing a repayable contribution of CAD 3.5 million for the advanced manufacturing equipment, while Opportunities NB is investing up to CAD 1.5 million in payroll rebates over a period of three years.
McCain Foods Canada, for its part, has invested CAD 80 million to expand production capacity at the site as part of this project.
The new state-of-the-art potato processing line incorporates the latest technology for process efficiency and quality, including best practices for water and energy use. This project allows the company to expand its local supply chain and create spinoffs for the region’s small and medium-sized businesses as part of its growth strategy in Grand Falls.
Minister LeBlanc made the announcement on behalf of Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
Mélanie Joly:
“We proudly support McCain Foods Limited as it works to expand its production capacity, meet market demand and create new jobs.”
“Our government is making investments that will enable businesses in all regions of our country to scale-up and access the capital needed to succeed in the post-pandemic economy.”
Dominic LeBlanc:
“As one of the world’s leading food manufacturers, McCain Foods Limited is a homegrown success story and a valuable contributor to our province’s and our country’s economy.”
“Today’s announcement represents a step forward towards a stronger economy by supporting companies in rural communities that serve to strengthen both the local workforce and the regional supply chain.”
Blaine Higgs:
“McCain Foods is a world class company with operations globally, and we are thrilled to see this expansion, which will create jobs, help grow the economy, all while contributing to our province’s food sustainability, which is a strong focus for our government.”
“This significant investment into the Grand Falls facility will ensure that NB operations remain competitive and productive. We know our people and our province have a lot to offer the world; this investment by McCain is a further testament to the strong business case which exists for investing in our province.”
Max Koeune, President & CEO McCain Foods Limited:
“As part of our ongoing global investment program, we’re proud to continue to grow and strengthen our business in our home of New Brunswick, Canada.”
“We’re grateful to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Opportunities NB for their support in this flagship project that will see the creation of jobs while boosting the local economy at large.”
The expansion of McCain Foods with a potato specialty line will create 80 new jobs.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to support the Canadian food and beverage industry. Investments like this one help to create jobs and ensure that businesses will not only survive this crisis but also succeed in the economic recovery.
