Minister Olszewski announced federal investment to boost innovation, grow and create jobs in Manitoba’s manufacturing sector

From: Prairies Economic Development Canada

News release

A man wearing a hard hat is standing next to some manufacturing equipment while typing on a tablet. Text: “Over $21M to support Manitoba innovators”.

Federal investments will help nine projects increase productivity, contribute to food security, embrace technology, and build Manitoba businesses

August 28, 2025 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – PrairiesCan

Manufacturing is a key driver of Manitoba’s economy. By adopting new technologies and processes, this keystone industry is innovating and supporting Canada’s long-term growth while creating well-paying jobs here at home and improved food security internationally.

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced more than $21 million in federal investments for nine Manitoba-based businesses. These investments will help companies expand, improve productivity, and remain competitive on the global stage.

These investments demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to developing Canadian supply chains in one Canadian economy, ensuring a future where Canadians can work, innovate and succeed where they live.

Projects receiving support include:

  • PhiBer Manufacturing Inc. is receiving $4.1 million to expand their manufacturing capacity to scale up production of innovative agricultural equipment to meet a growing demand. (YouTube video)
  • Prairie Fava Ltd. is receiving $1.5 million to support the optimization of their processes and expansion of the grower network to meet the increasing demand for fava beans. (YouTube video)
  • Decor Cabinets is receiving $3.2 million to increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency to enable Decor to supply new markets, increase market share and grow revenue. (YouTube video)

A full listing of all of today’s announced projects can be found in the linked backgrounder.

Additional multimedia

Quotes

“Manitoba’s innovators are turning bold ideas into real opportunities for their businesses, their communities and our families. The Government of Canada is not only investing in these projects, but we are also investing in the people behind them as they take their innovations to the next level. This is how we are helping businesses grow, create high quality jobs, and strengthen one Canadian economy.”
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“The funding we received from the PrairiesCan Business Scale-Up program enabled us to accelerate PhiBer's growth in many ways. We shortened our timeline on the acquisition of advanced manufacturing equipment that enables us to produce more components in-house while creating a new revenue stream. We accelerated adaptation of technology that will benefit both our internal productivity and our ability to support Canadian farmers. And our expansion will result in many new jobs in rural Manitoba for both highly skilled individuals and those who will benefit from our internal training programs.”
–Derek Friesen, President, PhiBer Manufacturing Inc.

“We are grateful for PrairiesCan’s support, which will help Prairie Fava optimize production, expand our grower network, and meet the growing demand for sustainable fava bean ingredients. This investment strengthens Canada’s leadership in plant-based protein and supports farmers across the Prairies.”
–Hailey Jefferies, Co-Founder, Prairie Fava

“We sincerely appreciate the support PrairiesCan has provided for this project. It reflects our shared commitment to growth, workforce upskilling, and digital transformation, and demonstrates the great results we can achieve by working together.”
–Stan Pauls, CEO, Decor Cabinets

Quick facts

  • Funding announced today flows through PrairiesCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program, Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, and the Jobs and Growth Fund.

  • These investments are expected to support approximately 285 new jobs.

  • In 2024, Manitoba’s manufacturing sector employed approximately 63,000 people, about 10 percent of the province’s total workforce.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Mathis Denis
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski
Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
(343) 573-1846
Mathis.Denis@ps-sp.gc.ca

Chris Minaker
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Prairies Economic Development Canada
Chris.Minaker@prairiescan.gc.ca

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2025-08-28