KENTVILLE, NS - Two Annapolis Valley food processing companies will accelerate exports by improving production capacity and operational efficiency, thanks in part to investments by the federal government.
New state-of-the-art equipment will enable Nova Scotia-based employers Apple Valley Foods Inc. and Nova Agri Inc. to diversify their product lines and significantly increase production, creating new business opportunities.
Kings-Hants MP and President of the Treasury Board Scott Brison announced repayable investments of $840,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program while touring the Apple Valley Foods facilities on Nov. 14.
“As demand for their products continues to grow, it’s essential for Apple Valley Foods and Nova Agri Inc. to modernize with new equipment to increase their production capacity,” Brison said. “The Government of Canada’s investment in these major employers will help them grow their export markets and expand their businesses.”
Apple Valley Foods is receiving $500,000 to purchase equipment that will expand the size of the oven in its manufacturing plant. This will allow the company to diversify its product lines to include half pies, increase efficiency and meet growing product demand.
Apple Valley Foods chief financial officer John Pettet said they are very pleased to continue their investment in Nova Scotia and further expand production capabilities to better serve consumers.
“We look forward to further growing the business with Atlantic Canada inputs to serve the North American marketplace,” Pettet said. “We very much appreciate the support of ACOA in making these investments happen.”
Nova Agri Inc. is receiving $340,000 to purchase and install state-of-the-art computerized weighing and filling technology. This will increase the accuracy of its product weights, reduce maintenance and down time costs and reduce electrical usage, all while doubling capacity.
Nova Agri Inc. CEO Earl Kidston said these investments from ACOA would enable Nova Agri to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
“The flexibility and capacity they add to our offering are essential in the markets we supply,” Kidston said. “This investment will ensure we continue to ship our Country Magic products across Canada, the United States and abroad.”
The investments build on a commitment of the federal government and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
This involves targeted actions to spur value-added opportunities for resource-based industries - such as the fisheries, forestry and agriculture – and support innovation in emerging sectors, which will help to expand and diversify the economy.
