XL Foods has received a $1.6 million grant to upgrade its ground beef production line at its Brooks, Alta., plant.
The grant, provided through the federal government’s Growing Forward program, will be paid out over two years. The money will be administered through the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), said a government news release.
The money allows the plant to install new technology to double its daily capacity to produce ground beef.
“XL appreciates the contribution and support ALMA has provided through the Growing Forward program for our plant competitiveness initiatives,” said XL Foods executive Brian Nilsson in a news release.
“This grant will assist us in maintaining our competitiveness as we adapt to the global marketplace.”
XL Foods Inc. is a Canadian-owned and operated beef processor and part of the Nilsson Bros. Group of companies, which are involved in all facets of beef and cattle production, marketing and processing.
The Brooks plant processes more than 4,500 head of cattle per day and employs 2,300 people.
Earlier this year Cargill Meat Solutions received $3 million from the same program to modernize and gain a better foothold in the Asian beef markets.
