Ontario Welcomes $8.9 Million Manufacturing Investment in West Lincoln

November 27, 2024

Smithville – The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $8.9 million by Big Country Raw to boost local manufacturing and create over sixteen new skilled jobs in West Lincoln.

This funding was announced today by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“Our government is building a strong Ontario and creating the conditions for a strong economy by supporting key investments in our community,” said MPP Oosterhoff.

“This investment by Big Country Raw will boost the local manufacturing sector and create new jobs for workers and families in Niagara.”

Specializing in frozen raw pet food products for dogs and cats, Big Country Raw’s investment will support the expansion of their current facility in Smithville. In addition to supporting the acquisition of new equipment, the project will implement new processing and packaging automation, increasing production capacity and improving product safety.

“Employing more than 800,000 workers across the province, Ontario’s manufacturing sector is the economic engine of our nation,” said Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Our government is proud to support local manufacturers like Big Country Raw as they expand their operations, and we thank them for their contributions to Ontario’s dynamic and growing manufacturing ecosystem.”

In support of their investment, the province is providing Big Country Raw with a $1,313,906 loan at fifteen percent funding.

“This expansion project marks a transformative milestone for our business,” said Geraldine Brouwer, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Big Country Raw.

“With our new 29,000 square foot facility, we are doubling our footprint, enhancing cold chain distribution, implementing advanced automation and raising food safety standards,” said Rob Brouwer, Co-Founder and President of Big Country Raw.

“This investment strengthens our manufacturing capabilities, opens doors to export opportunities beyond Canada, and demonstrates our commitment to community engagement, skill development and regional economic growth. This project will create over sixteen new full-time positions at our Smithville production and cold-storage facility, while also offering additional part-time and opportunities for students.”

Through its Regional Development Program, Ontario is investing $180 million to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 135 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.9 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,500 jobs.