The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $500,000 in a project that will make more bacon at Maple Leaf Food’s Winnipeg-based facility. It is expected that the expansion will enable increased production by eight million kilograms every year.

“The meat sector is a great source of pride and prosperity to many Canadians,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.  “Part of the federal government’s plan to support the agriculture sector is to be a leader in job creation and innovation.”

Taxpayer funds will be used to buy new processing and packaging equipment for the bacon production line at the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Winnipeg.  Maple Leaf Food’s will be investing more than $5.9 million into the project that is expected to be complete later this year.

“The expansion reflects our shared commitment to producing high-quality food for the world in a safe and sustainable way.  It also reinforces Manitoba’s place as an important centre for food processing in Canada.” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.

The expansion is expected to create 34 new permanent, full-time jobs as well as 34 part-time jobs and is part of a larger $35-million expansion of the plant.  

-News 4 Staff-