Guelph's Cargill Ltd. gets $582,000 from the province

Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal came bearing gifts to Guelph's Cargill Limited on Wednesday.

The province is giving Cargill $582,000 towards a new piece of machinery the food processing company says will help it stay competitive.

The announcement was made at Cargill's Dunlop Drive plant.

Matt Gibney, General Manager of the Cargill plant, said the money will be part of a $3.5 million investment in new equipment.

"This $3.5 million processor gives us the ability to process raw, low-value material and turn it into protein-rich animal feed," Gibney said.

The investment helps reduce outsourcing, the company said.

He said it is leading edge technology that helps minimize emissions. Two jobs will be created.

Cargill employs 1,600 people in Guelph at its two locations. It employs 3,200 people at 10 locations across the province.

"Our food processing sector is a key driver of our economy and our government is committed to supporting its continued growth. By investing in technology that will support local production, we are helping ensure Cargill's operations remain viable and provide great jobs for people right here in Guelph," Leal said.

Guelph MPP Liz Sandals, who did not attend Wednesday's announcement, said in a statement that she was "pleased that our government is investing in building up Guelph's food processing sector. This funding will support local production, making Cargill more productive and will help keep 1,600 good jobs right here in Guelph."