August 26, 2011 

Maple Leaf turkey subsidiary receives Ontario grant

Through the support of the Ontario Rural Economic Development Programme, Cold Springs Farm, part of Maple Leaf Consumer Foods, will be upgrading its plant to increase production.

"This investment is a significant opportunity for Cold Springs Farm and the Ontario turkey industry at large," said Jeff McDowell, vice-president, poultry, at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods. "As the largest employer in Thamesford, the RED grant will allow us to source more turkey from Ontario farmers and increase product innovation, benefiting employees, producers, and customers."

Cold Springs Farm has added new processing equipment, increased refrigeration capacity and made efficiency improvements throughout the facility. This will allow the company to create 30 new jobs and keep more than 560 positions while introducing new product innovation to the marketplace.

"Investing in Ontario food processors is a key part of the McGuinty government's plan to strengthening our province's agri-food industry," Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Carol Mitchell said. "By giving Cold Springs Farms the tools they need to succeed, we're helping a local business grow, creating jobs, and opening the door for Ontario turkey farmers."

Ontario has invested over CAD167 million (US$169 million) in 418 projects through the Rural Economic Development Programme and generated more than CAD1.2 billion (US$1.22 billion) in new economic activity.