Government investment pledged to Maple Leaf Foods
Revealed by Pierre Lemieux, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Agriculture in Canada, the new technology is designed to improve the company’s operating and production efficiencies, while enhancing food safety and supporting product innovation.
Toronto-based food group Maple Leaf will use the funds to purchase fully-automated kit, that will significantly improve food safety and includes built-in features to facilitate product traceability.
It is also expected to improve the shape, texture, consistency and shelf-life of its deli meat products, while reducing sodium content.
According to a statement from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the investment "will boost the competitiveness of the meat sector and create opportunities for Canadian pork producers for years to come".
Following completion of the installation, Maple Leaf Foods’ Hamilton plant will have the capacity to produce 82 million kilograms of deli products annually.
The funding was awarded as part of the The AgriInnovation Program, a five-year initiative, which includes provision for repayable funding to agri-businesses.
Rick Young, executive vice-president of transformation at Maple Leaf Foods, said: "We are building the most advanced prepared meats facility in North America. The AgriInnovation Program has helped us secure world-class technology that will improve our efficiency and support high skilled, knowledge-based jobs in Canada’s food industry."
Lemieux, said: "Innovation continues to be a priority for our government, and making strategic investments like this in one of Canada’s largest food processors will boost the competitiveness of the meat sector and create employment opportunities for years to come."
