Valley Company to Expand Operation with Provincial Help

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Valley Company to Expand Operation with Provincial Help

More jobs and more sales of Nova Scotia beef are expected in the Annapolis Valley with the help of a provincial loan.

Bowlby Quality Meats Ltd. is expanding its operations with a $200,000 loan from the province's Office of Economic Development. The loan should create 20 new jobs and increase sales of beef raised in the Valley, Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development, said today, Aug. 11.

"We are always looking for ways to expand our economy, create new jobs and help local producers," said Mr. Fage. "Agriculture was identified as one of Nova Scotia's foundation industries in our growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, and today's announcement supports this important part of our economy."

"This loan is going to help us move forward with our business expansion," said Glenn Bowlby, president of Bowlby Quality Meats. "We are going to expand our abattoir building and purchase new equipment, and we expect to hire more staff and increase local sales, which should put more money in the pockets of people in the Valley."

Bowlby has operated for about 100 years in the Valley, processing beef and pork products for farmers and supplying the retail and wholesale markets along with its retail meat store.

"This expansion is a tremendous boost for an industry that has experienced such upheaval over the past few years," said Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Bowlby Meats will be able to get more red meat product to the local market and this is great news for the processor, farmers and the consumer."

The company wants to expand its wholesale food operations and is focusing on sales of local products to independent stores and restaurants. The company expects to increase its sales to $3 million a year.

The $200,000 loan is eligible for forgiveness after five years if Bowlby reaches the employment targets.