The ongoing work of Alberta’s government to diversify the economy is working and the province continues to see investment flow into the province. Through its Investment and Growth Fund, Alberta’s government has awarded $2.85 million to the Edmonton-based food processor to close the deal on a facility in Alberta rather than in a competing jurisdiction.
“Our government is proud to be creating an economic climate that is attracting and retaining high-impact investments to our province. We are continuing to work hard to ensure Alberta is known as an international destination to do business. Siwin Foods’ decision to expand in Edmonton will create local jobs, increase our economic growth and recovery, and support the Alberta agriculture industry.”
Short on space in its current location and with a growing list of customers from Costco to Sobeys to Walmart, Siwin Foods has plans to build a 70,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton. The new facility is designed to be an energy-efficient and waste-reducing processing facility.
Moving into a new facility will allow Siwin Foods to expand its production footprint and provide better access to the global market for its ready-to-eat and quick-cooking meal solutions.
The expected $53.85-million build will create 50 permanent positions and 50 temporary jobs during construction.
“I am so pleased that an Alberta-based success like Siwin Foods has chosen to continue expanding here, creating jobs and delivering high-quality products to the tables of customers around the world. We’ve opened our doors to job creators in Alberta, and our government is committed to helping investors build exciting futures for their businesses and for Albertans.”
“At Siwin Foods, we’re proud that we’ve been able to grow our business in Alberta, where we have an abundance of quality ingredients, access to export markets and a skilled workforce. With construction of a new processing plant, we look forward to continuing to build on our success and serving our growing customer base, both near and far.”
“Siwin Foods’ nearly 20-year history in Alberta is a testament to the local investment ecosystem that has supported the company to expand both locally and into new markets around the world. Siwin Foods’ latest success showcases the strength of the research and development opportunities in Alberta, the high-quality raw ingredients available locally, the skilled workforce and the network of support that ensures businesses in our province thrive.”
Quick facts
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The Investment and Growth Fund was created in 2021 with the goal of attracting high-impact investments to Alberta or retaining businesses that might otherwise leave the province.
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Budget 2022 increased the annual fund allocation to $15 million from $10 million, including $5 million for a rural stream.
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The fund provides a targeted grant based, primarily, on the number of jobs created and the size of the capital investment.
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Invest Alberta liaises with both the government and business to identify and attract job-creating investment.
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The project with Siwin Foods builds on the success of the Investment and Growth Fund.
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In November 2021, a $2.73-million award helped bring Ontario-based GoodLeaf Farms to Alberta to build an indoor vertical farm in Calgary.
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In July 2022, $3.74 million was awarded to the Canadian division of USG Corporation to close the deal on a wallboard manufacturing plant in Wheatland County.
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In October 2022, $2.06 million was awarded to Southland Trailers to build a new plant in Lethbridge County that will double its production capacity.
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Siwin Foods is an Alberta-based food processor that was founded in 2004. In 2014, it relocated to a purpose-built new location in Edmonton.
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The company ships products throughout Canada, the United States and Japan, and is working on several new markets.