Maple Leaf expands bacon production at Winnipeg plant

The federal and Manitoba governments are investing $500,000 in an expansion project that will increase bacon production at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. in Winnipeg.

Production is to be increased by eight million kilograms every year.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay says the funds will go toward new processing and packaging equipment for the bacon production line.

The expansion is expected to create 34 new permanent, full-time jobs as well as 34 part-time jobs.

It's also part of a larger $35-million expansion of the plant.

The Mississauga, Ont.-based company plans to finish work on the project later this year.

"The meat sector is a great source of pride and prosperity to many Canadians,'' said MacAulay. "Part of the federal government's plan to support the agriculture sector is to be a leader in job creation and innovation.''