Three Eastern Ontario organizations will receive funding from the province under the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, part of the Regional Development Program.
Belleville-area companies Sprague Food Ltd. and Ontario Truss & Wall Ltd. are investing in themselves and their county to create jobs, strengthen local manufacturing, and support economic recovery.
Sprague Food provides shelf-stable foods to Canada and the US and has committed to investing more than $5.6 million in equipment and the construction of a new storage facility at its project facility. This project is supported by a $500,000 investment by the provincial government and is expected to create 14 jobs and increase productivity and innovation, which will boost employment, total revenues and sales into new markets.
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“Revitalizing and modernizing Canada’s food processing sector is vital not only for rural economies but is also crucial for improving supply chain resilience and Canada’s food security,” said Rick Sprague, president of Sprague Foods, in a press release.
Wood truss manufacturer and floor joist reseller Ontario Truss & Wall is set to invest more than $8.4 million into two new product lines. The project will involve the construction of a new 24,000 square foot facility and relocation of current operations. With the support of $500,000 from the province, Ontario Truss & Wall will improve product accuracy and quality, create 23 jobs and provide training to team members.
“(Ontario’s) significant contribution has helped to create new jobs and maintain current positions,” said Andrew Bryden, vice-president and comptroller of Ontario Truss and Wall. “We are excited to see the continued growth initiated by this investment.”
In addition, GreenCentre Canada, a not-for-profit organization based in Kingston that helps companies transform their chemistry-based ideas into sustainable commercial products and processes, will receive just over $540,000 from the province. It has worked with more than 150 Canadian companies, which have raised $980 million in subsequent investment and created over 500 jobs. With this investment from the province, GreenCentre will assist more companies in the region, energizing the industry and creating employment opportunities.
“Ontario is proud to be making targeted investments through the Regional Development Program to help GreenCentre Canada create good local jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, in a press release. “This project is making a significant impact on the Kingston and Eastern Ontario regional economy by investing in Ontario’s talented workforce and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth.”
Through the Regional Development Program, Ontario is investing more than $100 million over five years to help communities attract investment, diversify their economies and create jobs.
