Whyte’s Foods Inc., a leading manufacturer of marinated food products, announced today (August 23) an investment of $18-million to increase its production capacity in Ontario and in Quebec. Of this, more than $16.5-million will be invested by Whyte’s to expand its current manufacturing facilities to include a new location in Wallaceburg, Ontario.
Company officials say they have purchased a building consisting of 150,000 square feet, which is located at 6800 Baseline Road in Wallaceburg.
This building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, dedicated to the production of marinated food products for the Food Service and Retail sectors of the food industry, company officials said in a media release.
“This endeavor is currently under way, with the grand opening date anticipated in the fall of 2019.
Company officials say Whyte’s Foods expects to create nearly 100 new jobs in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
The expansion continues with an investment of $1.5-million in equipment and technological improvements for the Ste-Rose, Quebec plant.
This investment will allow the company to increase its production in Quebec as well.
Whyte’s head office will remain in Quebec, and local operations will remain unchanged.
Company officials say while many manufacturers are relocating their production facilities to the United States, Whyte’s strongly believes the region of Chatham-Kent is ideally located.
This is due to its prime agricultural real estate, crop risk management between Quebec and Ontario and for its proximity to the U.S. market.
Products to be manufactured in the new Wallaceburg plant include relish, pickles and marinated peppers.
About Whyte’s Foods Inc.
– Whyte’s Foods is a privately-owned Canadian manufacturing company, which has been under the same ownership for more than 43 years.
– Whyte’s has successful product distribution across Canada, at both retail and foodservice levels. Well-known brands include Strub’s, Whyte’s, Mrs. Whyte’s and Coronation.
– Whyte’s currently employs more than 350 Canadians during its peak season, in two manufacturing plants and one distribution center in Quebec.
– Whyte’s is also a private label partner for the food industry.
Information about the plant opening
– Facility renovations are expected to be completed in January 2019.
– Nearly 100 new jobs will be created within the next 18 months. A few specialized jobs will be announced within the next year, with the bulk of recruitment by end of summer 2019.
– Job posting will be announced publicly through Chatham Daily News, Indeed, Chatham Employment Resources Center, Strub’s Facebook page, jobs fair etc.
– Retail production lines are targeted to be in operation by November 2019, and Food Service by April 2019.
– Whyte’s presently purchases around 6 000 tons (mostly in Quebec 90%) of fresh cucumbers and around 1 200 tons of fresh peppers (Mostly Ontario 80%) in Canada.
– New business will bring an additional volume of approximately 7 000 tons of fresh cucumbers (90% Ontario) and approximately 500 tons (95% Ontario) of fresh peppers from Canadian growers.
More information can be found, here.
Watch for more details and comments from Whyte’s Foods and Municipality of Chatham-Kent officials later today on the Sydenham Current.
