CORNWALL, Ontario – MPP Jim McDonell announced a provincial investment of a whopping $1.5 million in our local confectionery production facility of Biscuits Leclerc Ltée on Friday, Nov 22.
The Quebec-based company, which has production facilities across North America, has been creating crackers, cookies, granola bars and more since 1905. The company recently renovated a 150,000 sq. ft. refurbished plant, located on Education St., to meet food grade standards and provide a peanut-free production environment.
“We invested $33 million in our first production line and revamping the building (here),” said Jean-Sebastien Leclerc, Vice-President Co-Manufacturing and Manufacturing Structure of Leclerc Group.
The project also includes investing in new equipment, which will significantly improve efficiency and produce 1, 200 snack bars per minute, while reducing waste through less discarded trim. The project will create 59 new jobs and is expected to be completed by September of 2022.
According to Plant Manager Francois Regnier, production in the building started in August and has been advancing with promise, as the company is soon looking to expand from two full shifts to three.
“Our job is to make sure Ontario is a competitive and desirable place to do business and invest…today’s announcement is a key part of that,” said McDonell.
The provincial investment comes from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. According to Stokes Economics, Eastern and Southwestern Ontario accounted for over $184 billion, or more than 23 per cent, of Ontario’s economy in 2018.
“We are grateful for the support and collaboration we have received since our arrival. The investment announced today demonstrates, once again, the relevance of our decision to implement our eighth plant in Cornwall, a strategic location within North America, which will allow us not only to increase our productivity, but also to be an important player in creating new jobs,” said Jean-Sebastien Leclerc in a press release.
