Edmonton…One of Alberta’s largest beef processors will increase its value-added production capacity while reducing the size of its environmental footprint thanks to two grants through the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA).
The Growing Forward grants, totaling $1.6 million, will be distributed over two years and will allow XL Foods to upgrade its Brooks facility by installing state-of-the-art technology that will enable the plant to double its per-day capacity for ground beef.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation to help strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of the red meat processing industry," said LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Today’s investment in the XL Foods facility will benefit the beef industry and all Canadians by increasing our capacity to meet market demands for Canadian beef products.”
“The improvements made at the XL Foods facility in Brooks will benefit producers by increasing the plant’s overall production capacity,” said Jack Hayden, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Initiatives such as this are important in helping to further strengthen Alberta’s beef industry while reducing the impact that the agriculture industry has on the environment.”
“XL appreciates the contribution and support ALMA has provided through the Growing Forward program for our plant competitiveness initiatives,” said Brian Nilsson, Co-CEO of XL Foods Inc. “This grant will assist us in maintaining our competitiveness as we adapt to the global marketplace.”
“One of the agency’s goals is to enhance the competitiveness of Alberta’s meat and livestock industry,” said Gordon Cove, President and CEO of ALMA. “The XL grant will move us towards that goal as this first-rate facility helps ensure Canada continues to compete in world markets.”
XL Foods Inc. is a Canadian-owned and operated beef processor and part of the Nilsson Bros. Group of companies, which are involved in all facets of beef and cattle production, marketing and processing. XL Foods Inc. operates facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nebraska and Idaho.
The XL Foods facility in Brooks processes over 4,500 head of cattle per day and has a capacity of 4,700. The plant currently employs 2,300 people in Brooks and surrounding area, including Medicine Hat.
Growing Forward is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that aims to better position the agriculture industry for success. The national vision is “a profitable and innovative agriculture, agri-food and agri-products industry that seizes opportunities in responding to market demands, and contributes to the health and well-being of Canadians.”
Source : Agriculture and Forestry