Federal government invests $9.4M in B.C. manufacturers

Image of Nanak Paneer. (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)

SURREY — Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $9.4 million in PacifiCan funding to help three Surrey-based businesses grow locally and compete globally.

Minister Sajjan made the announcement while visiting Nanak Foods Inc., a food manufacturer receiving $5 million in funding through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program. Nanak a manufacturer of specialty dairy-based, South Asian-inspired foods. Nanak’s paneer cheese product incorporates whole milk from B.C. cows, benefiting local dairy farmers.

PacifiCan’s investment will allow the company to increase production of paneer cheese by expanding its operations with new equipment. The funding will allow Nanak to scale-up locally, create jobs and accelerate global sales of its signature product.

Minister Sajjan also announced funding for two other Surrey-based businesses, one through PacifiCan’s BSP and the other through the Jobs and Growth Fund. Dr. Ma’s Laboratories, a natural health product manufacturer, is receiving over $3.1 million in funding to scale up operations and create new jobs. LED Smart is receiving over $1.2 million to continue to develop the design of its horticulture lighting system and increase production to meet global demand.

“Amazing things are happening in Surrey. Innovative companies, such as Nanak Foods, are developing products that are in demand around the world, and the Government of Canada is proud to support their business growth. PacifiCan’s investment in Surrey means that local companies can scale up at home, creating cutting-edge innovation and quality jobs right here in the Fraser Valley,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“Surrey is the fastest growing city in British Columbia. Local companies are rapidly growing to keep up with market demand as well as creating high quality jobs for Surrey residents. Today’s investment of $9.4 million in PacifiCan funding recognizes the economic growth and resiliency Surrey businesses have as we move British Columbia and Canada forward,” said Randeep Sarai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre.