The investment came from Canada’s AgriProcessing initiative, which is a five-year scheme that aims to invest up to CA$50m into the agri-processing sector. Investments are to be made with the sole priority of enhancing competitiveness and support for companies and projects within the industry. Both new and existing companies will be eligible to receive investment from the programme.
An investment of more than CA$826,000 from the Harper government will help CMS purchase new equipment for the manufacture of sausages at its Ontario site, parliamentary secretary Pierre Lemieux announced. He added that the investment was made on behalf of the government’s interest in jobs growth and long-term prosperity, as well as the promotion of a competitive and healthy economy.
Lemieux said: “This investment will support Cardinal Meat Specialists in expanding their operations by developing a new product to meet growing market demands and increase their competitiveness.”
According to the government, CMS is a producer of high-quality meat products for distribution to retail markets. Lemieux explained the investment would allow the company to produce a higher-quality sausage that will be more resistant to splitting or bursting while cooking, which will make the company the first in Canada to take advantage of the new technology.
CMS president Brent Cator explained that the AgriProcessing initiative fit “perfectly” with the company’s philosophy of striving to lead the Canadian industry in useful innovation and will help CMS develop niche products. He said: “This programme supports strong leaders, such as Cardinal, and further develops Canada’s role in sustainable, long-term growth strategies in market segments.”