Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Date – The Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, the Honourable Denis Lebel, today announced the payment of a $3.1 million repayable contribution to Barry Callebaut Canada Inc.
It should be emphasized that the government assistance had an impact on the decision by the head office of Barry Callebaut, in Zurich, Switzerland. In opting to invest in Saint‑Hyacinthe, the enterprise is choosing to increase the profitability of its facility there, and is keeping its current workforce of 487 employees. Of the latter, 125 will continue to work at the Saint-Hyacinthe plant as a result of the implementation of the Barry Callebaut Canada project, which should also lead to the creation in the short term of 22 direct jobs and several dozen indirect jobs with suppliers. In all, the project will generate substantial investment of more than $20 million.
“This project boosts the recognition of Saint-Hyacinthe as the major pole of Quebec's agri-food industry,” stated Minister of State Lebel, “and, as it will contribute to increasing employment in the Montérégie, it will have a real impact on the region's economy.”
The government financial assistance, provided under the Business and Regional Growth program, will be allocated to the acquisition of equipment. Having the facilities and equipment necessary for its business to run smoothly, Barry Callebaut Canada Inc. will be in a position to increase its production capacity and pursue its growth. Moreover, the installation of a system for combustion of biomass, produced from cocoa shells, will help improve the energy efficiency of the Saint-Hyacinthe plant.
Specializing in the production of industrial chocolate, Barry Callebaut Canada Inc., which sells a large amount of its output to the United States, is one of Quebec's largest agri-food exporters. The enterprise believes that, through its project, it will be able to confirm its place as one of the major chocolate suppliers in North America.
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Sources:
Suzanne Thebarge
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-6714
E-mail: suzanne.thebarge@dec-ced.gc.ca
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: benoit.fortin@dec-ced.gc.ca
