J & S Visser to upgrade potato facility

Potato packer J & S Visser Produce has received a loan from the Canadian Government to update its equipment to meet consumer needs.

As part of this initiative, the company will receive C$250,000 ($183,593) in funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) under the Business Development Programme.

By increasing the variety of its potato products, the company will be able to meet market demand.

ACOA minister of innovation, science and economic development Navdeep Bains said: “Positioning Canada as a leader in innovation is a top priority for the Government of Canada.

“In Budget 2017, we have laid out the Innovation and Skills Plan that focuses on people and addresses the changing nature of the economy to ensure it works for all Canadians.”

The loan will be used by the company for purchasing and installing a baler and bagger system, which allows it to move quickly between potato varieties and various packaging sizes.

J & S Visser Produce owner Stephen Visser said: “We are grateful for this project support from ACOA. The new machinery helps us to meet the growing needs of our customers, in terms of volume and efficiency, and to develop a new product for a changing market.

“It also allows us to further the environmental sustainability of our operation while providing a safer and less stressful workplace for our employees.” 

The company currently sells its products across Canada and in the US.