Government helps dairy producer leverage technology 

News release

Local primary producer and food processor plans for digitization  

August 11, 2021 · Summerside, P.E.I. · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Leading Atlantic Canadian firms are accelerating their adoption of automation, digitalization and advanced manufacturing technologies. Businesses understand the need to invest in technologies to scale-up, improve safety, develop new products and find new markets.

As the world continues to deal with the impact of COVID-19, Atlantic Canadian businesses are adapting operations and seeking new opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of innovation and boost growth. That is why the Government of Canada is helping Amalgamated Dairies Ltd. (ADL) of Summerside to implement key digital upgrades to its processes.

Digital Acceleration Pilot spurs innovation in rural PEI

Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 as part of the Digital Acceleration Pilot (DAP) to support ADL with digital upgrades throughout its divisions.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The project seeks to identify key areas in the business that have the highest potential to benefit from digital enhancements. This builds on ADL’s previous investments to improve business management practices with improved digital tools and processes.

Today’s announcement further demonstates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help companies use technology and digital platforms as a way to innovate and grow their businesses, and the Canadian economy. 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to making sure that businesses have the tools they need to innovate and grow. By helping them speed up their adoption of new technologies, we’re ensuring that Canadian companies have the competitive edge they need to thrive in the digital age.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA 

“ADL has long been a key employer in Western PEI. The company, owned by local dairy farmers, connects the proud agricultural traditions of our region with innovative, industry-leading best practices. I am pleased to announce this Government of Canada support for ADL to put in place the company’s next steps to further its digital upgrades.”
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont

“COVID-19 will have long lasting impacts on the workplace. ADL continues to modernize our system to adapt to the employees and customers of the future. Our long-term success will be tied to our ability to leverage technology and digital platforms to better manage data and assist in effective decision-making.”
- Chad Mann, CEO, Amalgamated Dairies Ltd.

Quick facts

  • Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL) produces a broad array of dairy products with annual sales of $175 million per year. Formed in 1953, the company is owned by 165 dairy farmers and governed by a 16-member board. The company employs 320 people across six distinct divisions.

  • The company processes close to 120 million litres of PEI milk per year. Of this production, approximately 75 million litres are used at the industrial plants located in Summerside to make specialty cheese, butter and evaporated milk products. These products service both the retail and industrial markets across Canada and export markets such as the United States.  

  • The Digital Acceleration Pilot (DAP) aims to enhance digital adoption in growth-oriented firms in Atlantic Canada by implementing quick impact projects to bring them along digital transformation journeys.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Leonard MacPherson
Senior Communications Officer, Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Leonard.MacPherson@ACOA-APECA.GC.CA

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