Technology and Production Line Upgrades a Good Catch for IMO Foods

Government of Canada supports modernization of fish packing facility in Yarmouth

October 26, 2016 – Yarmouth, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced a $75,000 repayable investment to assist IMO Foods Ltd. as it upgrades its inspection equipment to improve the efficiency of its production line and to ensure upgraded and continued product safety. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This investment, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), will assist IMO Foods in reducing its overall costs of operations and increasing productivity. The company will upgrade a computerized vision inspection system used to eliminate defects and improve inspection speed in canned fish production. This will contribute to a lower product cost, allowing IMO Foods to be more competitive and increase sales. By virtually doubling production of more consistent-quality products, the improvements will help increase exports to China and Europe, while highlighting the quality of Nova Scotia’s seafood and demonstrating the benefits of doing business with Atlantic Canadian companies.

Quotes

“Increasing the productivity of Canada’s fisheries and related industries is a plus for the domestic economy and for global trade opportunities. This project supports long-term growth through larger sale volumes as it markets sustainably harvested fish as a healthy food choice.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“IMO Foods is a long-standing member of the Yarmouth community that plays an important role in the area’s economic success through employment, income generation and raising awareness of the region internationally through its success in foreign markets.”

     - Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“As an exporter, IMO Foods must continue to invest in new technology to remain competitive in our foreign markets. The support from ACOA helps secure jobs and further investment in our rural economy.”

     - Phillip LeBlanc, General Manager, IMO Foods Ltd. 

Associated Links 

• IMO Foods Ltd website
• IMO Foods Facebook
• IMO FOODS on Taste of Nova Scotia

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca 

Phillip LeBlanc
General Manager
IMO Foods Ltd.
Phone: (902) 742-3519
E-mail: imo@imofoods.com 

Background:

IMO Foods Ltd. is a fish cannery located in Yarmouth that has been packing local fish for more than 40 years. IMO Foods currently employs 70 full-time employees, making it one of the area's major employers and an important part of the community. IMO Foods produces canned herring, sardines and mackerel using freshly-caught fish from the Bay of Fundy.

IMO Foods produces for many different brands worldwide, and its own KERSEN brand is available at retailers throughout Nova Scotia.