Ontario invests $3m in expanding PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay plant in Cambridge

The Ontario Government is investing $3m in modernising and expanding PepsiCo Foods Canada’s Cambridge plant, which produces Frito-Lay products, to protect jobs in the agri-food sector.

The investment, that has been sponsored under the Rural Economic Development programme, is expected to secure the jobs of 550 people employed at the plant currently. The programme provides an annual funding of $14.5m, which is invested in the growth of rural communities and regions.

The company will use the investment in the modernisation of the facility, to deliver world-class safety standards, equip the plant for the future installation of a high-speed packaging system that will increase efficiencies, and to improve the plant’s competitiveness in regards to the North American market of Frito-Lay.

Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne said: "A strong agri-food sector is crucial for ensuring strong and prosperous rural communities across Ontario. By investing in this vital sector today, our government is making sure the agri-food sector plays a key role in Ontario’s economy for years to come."

The plant has been operated by PepsiCo Foods Canada for more than 50 years and provides support to the local economy through employment, procurement of local raw materials, packaging and contract manufacturing, and spending on utilities, fuel, common carriers and other goods and services.

Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs Jeff Leal said: "The Rural Economic Development program helps grow local economies, create jobs and attract long-term investment. With this support, agri-food processors in rural communities will in turn contribute more to the provincial economy."

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Image: Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne said that the investment will play an important role in supporting its economy in the future. Photo: courtesy of Ontario.ca.