Two Delta firms are among seven food manufacturing companies receiving funding through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to help create jobs and strengthen local supply chains.
At a press conference held at a fruit processing facility in Kelowna on Tuesday, March 18, Jobs Minister Diana Gibson announced the companies will split $6.6 million in grants that will create up to 165 new jobs across the province.
"We are all working together to create new opportunities for B.C.-based food manufacturers that will strengthen our province," Gibson said in a press release.
"Improving food security and increasing sustainable, local food production is critical for people and families as we continue facing unjustified tariffs from our neighbour to the south."
North Delta Seafoods Inc., a processor and distributor of fresh and frozen seafood products harvested in B.C., is receiving up to $550,000 to expand its processing to include fresh and frozen ready-to-eat packaged seafood meals for the retail and food-service markets.
The project is expected to create 26 new jobs.
"We are grateful for the support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which will enable us to create new value-added products, diversify our offering and broaden our sales channels,” Mike Wick, director at North Delta Seafoods, said in a press release.
“The project creates additional employment opportunities in our community and market opportunities for the fishing communities of B.C. that supply the seafood we process. This is a fully Canadian project: B.C. harvested and processed."
Trafa Pharmaceuticals Inc., a nutraceutical and natural-health supplement contract manufacturer specializing in tablets, capsules and powders, is receiving up to $500,000 to support its expansion to a larger location, the purchase of new equipment, and clean-room renovations to scale up its operations, increase production and diversify product offerings.
That project is expected to create another 20 new jobs.
"The funding from BCMJF is a crucial step in Trafa Pharmaceutical Inc.'s growth, allowing us to expand our facility, buy a new hybrid packaging line, enhance production capabilities and introduce new packaging types,” CEO Tahir Habib said in a press release.
“With these investments, we're not only scaling up operations but also creating quality jobs and strengthening our ability to meet the rising demand for high-quality natural health products."
The other five companies receiving part of the $6.6 million are Prabu Foods Inc. in Surrey (up to $662,000, creating 30 jobs), One Degree Organic Foods in Mission (up to $2 million, creating 32 jobs), Farming Karma Fruit Company Ltd. in Kelowna (up to $2 million, creating 32 jobs), Brown's Bay Packing Company Ltd. in Campbell River (up to $430,000, creating 12 jobs) and Vitamin-One Formulas Inc. in Victoria (up to $425,000, creating 15 to 20 jobs).
Two other Delta companies also recently received grants as part of this intake of BCMJF applicants.
Ideal Gear and Machine Works Inc., which produces custom-made gears used in machinery for forestry, marine and mining equipment and transmission systems for hydro-electric power, is receiving up to $2.4 million to upgrade advanced manufacturing equipment that will decrease
reliance on manual processes and improve production time and precision. The increased capacity will allow the company to expand production to meet demand within industry and build a more resilient supply chain, while creating 25 new jobs.
Sunrise Engineering And Manufacturing Inc. is a machine shop that specializes in machining and fabricating services, primarily equipment repairs for the pulp mill industry. The company is getting up to $805,000 to purchase and commission new equipment that will increase efficiency, improve quality of production, maintain competitive advantage and attract new workers. That project is expected to create five new jobs.
Through the BCMJF, the government has committed $146 million toward 132 projects to date, which it says has unlocked more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
Further, every $1 million invested results in $7 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $590,000 in tax revenue to the province, and $5.3 million in provincial GDP during the capital construction phase, according to a backgrounder accompanying Tuesday’s announcement.
— with files from Jordy Cunningham
