Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Taxpayers promise $5 million for flour mill

The Ontario government has promised to put $5 million into a flour mill P&H Milling wants to build in Hamilton Harbour.

P&H Milling is investing $40 million toward the new mill.

The company is a division of Parrish & Heimbecker which has a huge presence in the Ontario agriculture industry through ownership of many ventures, including Swift Butterball turkeys, many grain elevators throughout Southern Ontario, New Life feed mills, New Life milling and extensive holdings across Western Canada.

It is also a major grain trader out of offices in Toronto.

A news release says the new bulk mill will house efficient state-of-the-art equipment including additional grain and flour storage. The expansion will enable the company to process 25 per cent more grain, and help increase the company’s intake of Ontario wheat by more than 10 per cent more annually.

The investment is expected to create 16 new jobs while retaining more than 200 jobs in Ontario.
Supporting a strong and innovative agri-food industry is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario, the government said.

The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Why P&H needs a handout is beyond me. 

Meanwhile, nothing has been said for years about a $18.5-million flour mill that was announced as a project of three large companies in 2011. It was to be built near Guelph.

It was to be a joint venture by Horizon Milling G.P., Cargill and CHS Inc. under a company called LVB Milling.