August 29, 2008
NEWS
Ontario is helping William Grant & Sons and its partner
the Town of Lakeshore increase production at the Hiram Walker facility
in Windsor.
The province is investing $850,000 to help install new
equipment for the handling and bottling of Gibson's lines and for staff
training. This new production will benefit the agricultural sector in
Essex and Chatham Kent through the purchase of additional grain for
the production of spirits.
Once production is up and running, grain will be sourced
locally from Ontario farmers for the production of Gibson's Whisky.
The investment will also help retain existing jobs at the facility and
has the potential to create more jobs as production increases.
The funding is part of the Rural
Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects
in three priority areas:
• Improved access to health care services
• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training.
QUOTES
"This is a success story for the Windsor region.
Hiram Walker's plan to grow and diversify will bring jobs, innovative
technology and greater visibility to the local economy," said Windsor-West
MPP Sandra
Pupatello.
Thanks to this investment, the future just got brighter
for farmers in Essex County. Hiram Walker's commitment to buy grain
from local producers will go a long way toward supporting our farmers
and building a more prosperous Essex County, "said Essex MPP Bruce
Crozier.
"It is a very exciting day for Windsor to see the
Hiram Walker Facility expand its production. Our community has the skilled
labour and material resources as well as the infrastructure that an
outstanding business like this one needs to thrive," said Windsor-Tecumseh
MPP Dwight
Duncan.
"As one of Canada's leading premium Whiskies, Gibson's
is proud that it's expansion to southwestern Ontario is being actively
supported by the Government of Ontario. Windsor and the surrounding
communities, such as the Town of Lakeshore, have the perfect combination
of skilled labour, material resources, sense of community and history
that will enable Gibson's to continue to offer Canadian consumers a
high quality, locally-produced Whisky", said John Swan, Vice-President
of PMA Canada.
"Distilled spirits producers are primary manufacturers
who take local Canadian agricultural materials and turn them into world-class,
high value-added products that are sold across Canada and across the
globe; we are delighted the Ontario Government has recognized and supported
the significant economic value that our members bring to Ontario communities
and rural areas", said Jan Westcott, President and CEO of Spirits
Canada.
QUICK FACTS
•Since 2003, Ontario has invested $59.6 million in
182 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the Rural
Economic Development Program.
Find out more about Spirits
Canada.
Discover more about William
Grant & Sons.
