LISTOWEL — As far as luck goes, Listowel struck the pot of gold with news last month that will bring 500 jobs to the former Campbell’s Soup plant.
Premier Dalton McGuinty was in Listowel on March 11 to announce a $3 million Rural Economic Development grant, in partnership with Erie Meat Products, to transform what — since Campbell’s vacated the facility — had been operated by the company under the Listowel Cold Storage banner into a hot dog processing plant.
Speaking to a gathering of local government, media and guests, McGuinty offered his thanks to Erie Meats for coming to Listowel, as well as the community for working with the new company.
“I want to thank the community for doing everything they need to do to land this big fish,” McGuinty said. “We’re going to make sure it stays here and grows here.”
McGuinty said the investment is part of the provincial government’s goal to create 600,000 jobs in the next 10 years, and strengthen businesses with a modernized tax system and Harmonized Sales Tax.
“This is just one way that we are doing that together,” he said. “Growing stronger for our province is no longer an option, it’s a must.”
Globalization is an undeniable reality, McGuinty said, and it sometimes results in painful events like the closure of Campbell’s Soup just over a year ago. Conversely, globalization creates possibilities for exporting, with 81 per cent of all goods produced in Ontario leaving the province.
“The other side of globalization is that it creates so many more opportunities,” McGuinty said. “If they weren’t buying that stuff, we’d be out of jobs here.”
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson said the community was devastated by the loss of the Campbell’s plant, but the rally that followed brought great news from Erie Meat Products, and even better news that day.
“I always say some days are better than others, and for the record, this is one of them,” Wilkinson said.
Perth County warden and North Perth deputy mayor Julie Behrns said the announcement coinciding with the launch of Listowel’s 33rd annual Paddyfest was perfect timing.
“There’s absolutely no one in North Perth right now that doesn’t believe in the luck of the Irish,” she said. “It is truly a lucky day for us.”
With agri-food and agri-business both important economic drivers to North Perth and also Perth County, Behrns was pleased to see the provincial government following the county’s slogan of “Cultivating Opportunity.”
“We recognize, Premier, the commitment you and your government have made to building resilient communities,” Behrns said. “I’m sure, on your drive up, you realized how vibrant our rural community really is.”
Director of new business for Erie Meat Products George Tiesma said that the decision to expand the plant from cold storage to production came as a result from overwhelming support from Wilkinson and Perth economic development coordinator Bernia Wheaton.
“We said right from the start we’re going to monopolize on our strengths,” Tiesma said. “We have the raw materials, we have the facilities and we have the product.”
Tiesma said the company has already put $8 million of their own money into refurbishing the plant for hot dog production, with an expectation to spend over $40 million. The equipment is scheduled to arrive by mid-August, with production starting in December this year.
“You’re going to see a fairly steady rate of hiring here,” Tiesma said.
