Wheatley processors get boost from government

WHEATLEY — Two Wheatley-based fish processing operations were among four Chatham-Kent fish and seafood processing companies to receive funds from the federal government recently.

Last week, Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Fed- Dev Ontario, announced a total FedDev Ontario investment of nearly $1.5 million through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to support four companies in the Chatham–Kent region, the world’s largest freshwater commercial fishing port and one of Ontario’s key fish and seafood processing regions.

With funding support, these four processors will be able to cover fixed operating expenses, including COVID-19 safety measures, utilities, insurance and employee wages. They will be able to purchase personal protective equipment required for employees, and retrofit shared workspaces to comply with social distancing measures.

Additionally, they will be able to focus on retaining their skilled labour force and attracting new talent to their hardworking teams.

John O’s Foods Inc., a fish processor and wholesaler of fresh and frozen freshwater fish, is receiving $195,000 in support through RRRF.

As the second-largest producer of lake fish in Ontario, serving both United States and Canadian markets, the company’s revenues have been significantly impacted by the effects of COVID-19 on its primary clients in the food service industry. John O’s Foods Inc. employs 70 skilled employees in Wheatley.

“Our food ends up on the tables of restaurants around the world,” said John O’s Director of Finance, Jay Aird.

Presteve Foods Limited, a harvester, processor and distributor of wholesale freshwater fish and seafood from all five Great Lakes and other North American inland lakes, is receiving $400,000 in support through RRRF.

As its primary customers in the restaurant industry have been severely impacted by COVID-19, the company is experiencing a 66 percent decrease in sales, and was forced to temporarily shut down production for one month at the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

Presteve Foods Limited employs 138 skilled employees in Wheatley.

“Thanks to the RRRF funding, Presteve Foods Limited is improving all aspects of our COVID-19 safety measures, including purchasing mandatory PPE, retrofitting existing and new shared workspaces, and boosting our capacity to monitor employee compliance,” said Dan Walda, Chief Financial Officer for Presteve.

A&A Marine Foods, a family-owned freshwater fishing and processing business that specializes in the processing, packing and cold storage of freshwater fish for wholesale and retail sales in Canada and the United States, is receiving $500,000 in support through RRRF.

When the pandemic hit, demand from the food service industry significantly decreased, forcing the company to temporarily close its operations and pivot to grow its presence in Canada.

A&A Marine Foods employs more than 30 full-time, skilled employees in Blenheim.

“The RRRF investment will enable us to create more skilled jobs and to expand the supply of our freshwater products across Canada,” said Salvatore Peralta, President and CEO of A&A Marine Foods. “It will also be instrumental in supporting a sustainable future for the regional fishing industry.”

Great Lakes Food Company, a harvester and processor of freshwater rainbow smelt from Lake Erie, is receiving $362,000 in support through RRRF. As a result of COVID-19, the company is experiencing a decrease in demand from its largest clients, including buffets, bars and restaurants in the United States and Japan, leading to a decline in sales and an increase in direct costs.

Great Lakes Food Company employs 38 skilled employees in Chatham.