Meat Processor Expanding In Hamilton Region - McGuinty Government Supports Local Food Processors, Creates Good Jobs

Ontario is helping a food processor in the Hamilton area expand its production to meet growing demand, support local farmers and create good jobs.

With support from Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program, Gourmet Meats will make upgrades and install new equipment at its existing Mount Hope facility. These improvements will help the company:

• increase production of specialty pork and beef products
• expand its customer base
• increase their sales and revenues by 25 to 50 per cent
• create three new jobs and retain five existing positions

A strong agri-food industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the province's economy.

QUOTES

"We're proud to be investing in small meat processors, such as Gourmet Meats, who provide us with fresh, local, quality meats we all enjoy. By giving these processors the tools they need to succeed and grow, we're strengthening Ontario's agri-food industry and growing our economy."
- Carol Mitchell, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"We appreciate the help the Rural Economic Development Program has given to our business. It has helped us to move in new directions. With the help of the new panels and refrigeration it makes us move effective in how we do our production."
- John Miedema, Owner, Gourmet Meats


QUICK FACTS

• Ontario has invested over $167 million in 412 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.
• In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.7 per cent.

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Want to grow your food business? Ontario can help.