Minister Ng announces FedDev Ontario investment to scale up food processing company

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Nearly $3 million to help dessert manufacturer scale up operations, compete globally and add over 60 new jobs

September 5, 2019 — Richmond Hill, Ontario

Canadian manufacturers must continue to innovate, automate and invest in new technologies to remain competitive, which results in good jobs and economic growth.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, visited La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc., a top artisan dessert manufacturer in Canada, and announced a FedDev Ontario contribution of nearly $3 million to help the company execute a strategic growth plan to meet growing market demand. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

Through this project, La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc. expects to add 64 new full-time jobs, including 60 manufacturing jobs and four management jobs in the Richmond Hill area, while also positioning the company to diversify its export markets and to better compete outside of Canada.

This project will allow La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc. to expand and renovate its existing facility, adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, and add advanced equipment to increase production capacity and further its manufacturing capabilities. Newly adopted automation and digital planning tools will help to improve efficiencies, reduce operating costs and minimize waste. In addition, the project will help shorten the development time needed to bring new products from design to market.

Quotes

“Our government is focused on helping Canadian small business owners start up, scale up and access new markets. This FedDev Ontario investment in La Rocca Creative Cakes is a great example of how supporting technology development and business growth results in new export opportunities and creates good jobs in our communities.”
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

“The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting food manufacturers that invest in innovation, adopt new automation and digitalization processes and increase their exports. This FedDev Ontario funding will help to position La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc. as a market leader in Canadian food processing, and as a strong competitor across North America.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“We are very grateful for this FedDev Ontario funding, which is essential in helping accelerate our growth plans. La Rocca Creative Cakes is committed to continuous improvement and with this support, we are able to adopt new innovative technologies and enhance our capabilities to remain competitive and create good jobs here in Richmond Hill.”
- Michael Givens, President, La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc.

Quick facts

  • Established in 1986, La Rocca Creative Cakes Inc. is a family-owned and operated food manufacturer of specialty cakes and desserts, which are supplied to fine food retailers across Canada, the United States, and markets as far as the Middle East.

  • Currently, the company operates out of its comprehensive Richmond Hill bakery, employing more than 300 full-time staff, and producing more than 250 different products.

  • In 2017, the company opened La Rocca Creative Kitchen, a 2,400-square foot innovation centre to research and develop new products and processes, collaborate with industry leaders, attract new talent and engage with the community.

  • In addition to FedDev Ontario’s contribution, this project will leverage over $5.5 million in private sector investment towards the total project cost of $8.5 million.

  • This year marks 10 years of FedDev Ontario delivering funding and business services to support innovation and growth in southern Ontario.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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