Potato Packer W.P Griffin receives government support for new packaging equipment

Prince Edward Island Potato Packer W.P. Griffin will get a combined investment of $372,490 from the provincial and federal governments to purchase new weighing and bagging equipment.

Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea and provincial Tourism Minister Robert Henderson made the announcement at the potato company's Elmsdale location this morning.

“Prince Edward Island farmers have earned a reputation for delivering high-quality potatoes to markets around the world. Investing in new technology will help our industry to stay competitive and allow farmers to increase productivity. The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with the agricultural industry to create jobs and encourage economic development in rural communities,” said Henderson.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $323,490 for the equipment and also to help W.P. Griffin market their product and expand their exporting capabilities.

“W.P Griffin Inc. continues to strive to be a leading innovator in developing new value-added products, opening new markets and employing leading edge technology. Our Government remains committed to making key investments in innovation that support the primary sectors. We are also helping by opening new markets such as with our trade agreement with the EU that will largely benefit our PEI agriculture and food sectors,” said Shea.

The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Growing Forward 2 Program, is investing a total of $49,000 towards the purchase of new equipment.

“Thanks to both levels of government, this funding will assist our company enter new markets in the potato industry. Our new state-of-the-art equipment is helping us sell our specialty products to some of the largest retail chains in Canada and allowing us to evolve in the industry which helps us remain current," stated John Griffin.

The new state-of-the-art equipment will give W.P. Griffin the capabilities required to market their product in the global marketplace and expand their export opportunities.

W.P. Griffin has agreements with Walmart Canada and Sobeys Inc., two of the largest domestic retail chains in Canada, to market their new specialty potato products.