Equipment Upgrade Potato Packing Plant Patates Dolbec in Quebec receives government support

Yesterday the Patates Dolbec's potato packaging facility in Saint-Ubalde, Quebec received a visit from Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay.

Patates Dolbec Inc. just completed an expansion and modernization project that was supported by the Canadian Government.

The upgrade - representing and investment of CAD 12 million - included the purchase and installation of new robotic equipment that will help to sort, grade, and pack more fresh potatoes in less time.

This enables Patates Dolbec to improve their product quality, lower operational costs and develop new markets in the United States.

Josée Petitclerc, Director, Marketing and Continuous Improvement, Patates Dolbec:
 

“Our new 4.0 plant gives us superb flexibility, enhances our ability to serve our customers, allows us to track all our data in real time for better decision making and, of course, enables us to provide a stimulating, well-organized workplace.”

This project was supported with a investment by the government of Canada with an interest free loan of up to CAD 4.5 million.

Supporting the growth of Canada's food processing sector - an important driver of economic growth, with sales of $114 billion and reaching over $35 billion in export sales each year - remains a key priority for the Government of Canada.

Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:
 

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the food processing sector, helping to grow the economy and create well-paying jobs for middle class families.”

“Investing in innovation will enable Patates Dolbec to grow sales and demand for Quebec-grown potatoes all around the world, helping to build a strong and prosperous agriculture and agri-food sector.”

This investment was made under the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovation Program, a five-year initiative that ended on March 31, 2018.

Similar projects will be supported under the AgriInnovate Program, a five-year (2018-2023), up to $128 million initiative under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

This initiative aims to accelerate commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability.