HARJIT S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), on Friday announced $9.4 million in PacifiCan funding to help three Surrey-based businesses grow locally and compete globally.
Sajjan made the announcement while visiting Nanak Foods Inc., an innovative food manufacturer receiving $5 million in funding through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program. Nanak is North America’s largest and leading 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 announced today will allow Nanak to scale-up locally, create jobs and accelerate global sales of its signature product.
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 innovate in the design of its horticulture lighting system and increase production to meet global demand.
The investments announced today are expected to help create more than 190 jobs, grow the Surrey and regional economy, and bring more made-in-B.C. products to global markets.
Sjjan said: “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.”
Surrey Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal said: “Today’s investment is a prime example of how Surrey is at the forefront of being home to innovative entrepreneurs in diverse sectors who are contributing to British Columbia’s vibrant economy. Streams like Business Scale Up and Productivity allow companies to access capital to rapidly grow and keep up with market demand. The future of Surrey entrepreneurs and manufactures is bright, and we are here to be a part of this evolution.”
Gurpreet Arneja, President, Nanak Foods Inc., said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from PacifiCan, which enables us to move forward with the construction of our new processing facility. This funding is not only an investment in our growth but also a testament to the shared commitment to creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening our community. With PacifiCan’s backing, we are confident that this project will drive significant growth and enable us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”
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