Helping Sawler Gardens to Modernize and Grow
News release
Government of Canada funding of $250,000 supports purchase of new equipment to increase productivity and efficiency
August 24, 2018 – Berwick, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Supporting increased productivity in small enterprises is key to generating growth, creating jobs and strengthening Canada’s middle class. The Government of Canada is investing $250,000 in Sawler Gardens Limited to help purchase new processing and sorting equipment for increased output in less time, which will open up more highly skilled technical positions for its employees.
Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced the funding yesterday during a site visit.
Sawler Gardens will now be able to purchase a new optic sorter used to remove defective produce. This new processing equipment will have more accurate shape recognition and will be able to identify and remove unacceptable products from the line. Employees that had been manually sorting vegetables will now have the opportunity to operate this new equipment, check quality assurance, and label, box and ship products. This modernization will increase the speed at which the food processing takes place.
ACOA is providing repayable assistance of $250,000 through its Business Development Program, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises expand and modernize to improve competitiveness.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The strategy supports strategic investments in projects that spur value-added opportunities for resource-based industries such as the fisheries, forestry and agriculture to expand and diversify the economy.
Quotes
“Our government knows that business success in Atlantic Canada requires innovation and increased productivity. We want to help firms increase exports, forge global partnerships, attract foreign investment, and create more jobs and greater prosperity for the middle class.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Upgraded manufacturing and processing equipment will greatly improve Sawler Gardens’ ability to ensure top-notch quality products reach retailers in a timely manner. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the continuous improvement of a longstanding business and employer in the community.”
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“The updated grading line with the new optic sorter used in the production of baby mini carrots and turnip sticks will greatly assist with reliability and improved performance. This line upgrade will allow us to continue to be competitive against the imported products from the U.S. and continue to grow the number of brands that we supply including private labels such as Compliments and Farmers Market. We are grateful for the support on this project and the opportunity to strengthen our business.”
- Mark Sawler, Co-Owner, Sawler Gardens
Quick facts
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Sawler Gardens Limited has operated as a farming and food processing enterprise since 1959. It farms 400 acres of land and processes another 100 acres of crop for other local farmers.
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It grows carrots, onions, beets, parsnips and turnips, which are sold to Sobeys, Loblaws and independent grocers across Atlantic Canada.
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This project will help maintain the company’s 15 full-time positions and approximately 65 seasonal jobs.
Contacts
Lori Selig
Acting Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: lori.selig@canada.ca
Mark Sawler
Co-Owner
Sawler Gardens Limited
Phone: (902) 538-3848
Email: mark.sawler@sawlergardens.ca