Province contributing to the expansion of two local industries

The provincial government is investing one million dollars in two local companies through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund.

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli made the announcement Tuesday morning at Sprague Foods in Belleville.

Sprague and Ontario Truss and Wall in Foxboro are each receiving $500,000.

President Rick Sprague of Sprague Foods says they’ll be investing more than $5.6 million in new equipment and the construction of a new storage facility that will create 14 new jobs.

“In combination with some of the equipment investments that we’ve made – and we’ve made a few million dollars just in the last two years – our production could conservatively be three times what it is today in, I’ll say, 18 months from now.”

Sprague Foods. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

The business, which has been family-run for five generations, currently employs about 50 people.

Sprague says they can’t keep up with the orders so this investment will increase their capacity and efficiency.

“The interest, the support from the Ontario government, locally, from the consumer for local products for made in Canada products has just skyrocketed. And it’s sorta like I’ve been waiting all my life for all these things to happen, and, here we are.”

Fedeli says Sprague Foods is exactly the type of company Ontario wants to invest in.

“They are family-owned, been here a long time. They make a product that’s well in demand. They’re using Ontario-made products, they’re part of the Ontario Made program. They’re not only making for Canada but they’re exporting to the U.S.”

Sprague Foods President Rick Sprague talks with Hastings Lennox & Addington MPP Daryl Kramp at a provincial funding announcement, February 1, 2022. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

Ontario Truss & Wall is building a new 24,000 sq. ft. facility at its current site as part of an $8.4 million investment that will also allow them to expand into two new product lines.

Those new lines include prefabricated wall panels and floor systems that are not currently manufactured in the Quinte and Belleville area.

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli (left) visits Ontario Truss and Wall in Foxboro, February 1, 2022. (Photo: Twitter)

Andrew Bryden, Vice President and Comptroller says the project will create 23 jobs and improve product accuracy and quality while improving facility output.

Ontario Truss and Wall VP Andrew Bryden (L) chats with H-L&A MPP Daryl Kramp and BOQ MPP Todd Smith, February 1, 2022. (Photo: Office of Todd Smith)

Bryden adds, “We are excited to see the continued growth initiated by this investment,” noting the provincial contribution is helping to create new jobs and maintain current positions.

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith tour Ontario Truss and Wall in Foxboro, February 1, 2022. (Photo: Twitter)

Fedeli toured both plants on Tuesday.

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, Hastings Lennox & Addington MPP Daryl Kramp and Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk were also in attendance.