A proposed multi-species slaughter plant hopes to raise at least $4.5 million through a share offering this spring.
Lorne Thomson, chief executive officer of Nesco Meats Inc., said the share offering in Saskatchewan will try to raise enough capital by June 30 to begin preliminary work on a slaughter and processing plant in Melfort.
“If we don’t raise (at least) $4.5 million, then this will not go forward,” he said of the minimum amount needed to build and operate the plant.
Construction could begin in June and the plant could be operating within the year, Thomson said.
It will provide slaughter facilities for numerous livestock species, including organic, and will be European Union eligible, Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspected and organic certified.
It will also offer custom cutting services.
The plant is expected to employ more than 40 workers and process up to 35,000 cattle and 5,000 bison a year, as well as other species such as elk.
Nesco’s board of directors includes Saskatchewan livestock producers and local businesspeople.
