HENSALL – Metzger Meat Products of Hensall intends to  expand and modernize its plant, thanks in part to a $350,000 boost from the Ontario government's Rural Economic Development (RED) Program.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Carol Mitchell made the announcement today (Aug. 2) in Hensall, part of a $1.5 million allocation for small and medium-sized rural abattoirs and meat plants.

According to a press release, the business will expand and modernize its plant by adding more smokehouses and cookhouses, and will also modernize its production management system to improve both the productivity and efficiency of the plant.

The press release states the improvements will increase smokehouse and ready-to-eat meat production by 400 per cent.

A full report, including interview comments from Metzger Meat Products president Gerhard Metzger and other officials will appear in the Sept. 8 Times-Advocate.