The GPA EDC has been a partner on three successful funding applications to assist the Quaker Oats plant in Peterborough. These projects have led to millions of dollars in corporate investment into the facility including an expansion to the chewy bar line in 2010. One of these projects also meant that this important food processor was able to bring in a specific expertise – a milling engineer. Having a milling engineer has helped the plant innovate processes and remain competitive with other facilities.
Quaker Oats has also received funding for hiring and employee training through participation in the manufacturers’ training initiatives that the GPA EDC has offered in recent years. This major food processor has also been hiring consistently for the past three years and that means attracting skilled professionals to the area. In recent weeks the facility has been in the process of hiring more than 20 new employees. Thanks in part to chewy bar production that is running at full capacity. I think I’ll pick up the smore’s kind at lunch time.
Submitted by: Laura Lauzon, Director of Manufacturing and Small Business
