There are new freezers, packaging equipment and robotic systems in the future for Winnipeg-based Burnbrae Farms.
“When I started 28 years ago, I think we were 60 strong, so it’s continued investment, continued growth, and that is what the company believes in – to continue to invest,” said Frank Both, the company’s vice-president of operations in Western Canada.
The family-owned egg company employs more than 300 people in the province, not counting its operations elsewhere in the country.
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Its upcoming expansion will be the result of a $2-million investment announced Nov. 28 by the provincial and federal governments. Improvements at Burnbrae Farms are among 70 Manitoba projects earmarked for up to $15.4 million in government funds over four years.
Why it matters: Governments anticipate investments in processing will help keep value-added money in the province.
Funds are provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, with a goal to create more opportunities for the sale of local products and add jobs to the agricultural sector.
Manitoba relies on its producers, and agri-business brings in millions of dollars that fuel the provincial economy, said local MLA Diljeet Brar at a press conference announcing the Burnbrae Farms expansion.
“Businesses like Burnbrae Farms are significant contributors in this way, growing from dairy farming to becoming one of the country’s leading egg producers,” Brar said.
Such businesses strengthen the economy by providing healthy choices for consumers, leading to better community health, he added.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn also lauded the coming expansion.
“It shows that our province continues to be an excellent place to invest in the future. We all know agriculture has a long and rich history in our province, and this is vital to our economy,” he said of the funded projects in general.
Other recipients include pea protein company Roquette Canada Ltd., which opened its plant in Portage la Prairie in 2021; Kimberly Packaging Corporation in Winkler; and Spenst Bros. Premium Meats, also of Winkler.
“These companies’ achievements in ag produce means much success for all Manitobans. Our government is keeping our commitment in partnering with interest to invest in agriculture, innovation and sustainability,” Kostyshyn said.
“Roquette searched far and wide when looking for the perfect place to build our state-of-the-art pea protein plant,” said Roquette’s plant manager Chris Chinery, in a subsequent press release.
“We settled on Manitoba and more precisely, Portage la Prairie, because of the potential we saw for partnering with government to foster innovation and help create a hub for sustainable, plant-based ingredients that will help feed North America and the world. Over the years, we have been delighted to see that potential become reality and remain grateful for that partnership.”
Specific projects Burnbrae has in mind include a gable-top fill line, de-palletizers and palletizers, and an egg cargo system that will allow more expansion into robotics. A cluster valve system will also modernize and improve efficiency and quality.
“It keeps us competitive in the marketplace, and that’s important,” Both said. “Products from this plant are sold to retail food service and ingredient markets, not only here, but across Canada and some into the United States.”
Both expects approximately 15 new jobs to open at Burnbrae Farms thanks to the new funding.
