N.S. Applauds Oxford Plant Expansion

Agriculture Minister Ernest Fage has hailed the announcement of a $70 million expansion at Oxford Frozen Foods as "tremendous news for the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia."

The plant expansion was announced in Oxford today by company president John Bragg.

It is being financed jointly by Oxford Frozen Foods, the Bank of Nova Scotia -- which has provided working capital loans -- and the province -- which has provided a fully repayable, interest- bearing loan of $38 million.

Mr. Fage said the expansion demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to agriculture in the province.

"For more than 30 years, Oxford Frozen Foods has been a major processor and exporter of Nova Scotia produce, particularly wild blueberries," he said. "Now, with this expansion, the capacity to process and export even more Nova Scotia produce will increase dramatically and keep pace with major increases in the blueberry harvest in recent years."

In addition to its role in agriculture the expanded plant will create approximately 170 new jobs at Oxford Frozen Foods and will inject tens of millions of dollars into the Cumberland County economy.

Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser said the expansion is the type of growth highlighted in the province's recently announced economic-growth strategy.

"This project supports the rural economy, is a great boost for Cumberland county, and expands our ability to export Nova Scotia produce," he said. "It's a real vote of confidence in the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia and I applaud Oxford Frozen Foods for their confidence and vision."

Construction of the expanded facility is currently under way and the plant is expected to be operational by August.