The Canadian government has agreed to financially support dairy processor Fromagerie Perron and its parent company Nutrinor Coopérative in Quebec.

As part of the initiative, the government will offer up to C$600,000 ($451,516) to Fromagerie Perron from the Dairy Processor Investment Fund (DPIF), as well as a repayable contribution of nearly C$564,000 ($424,692) from the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

The investment will be used by Fromagerie Perron to purchase and install a pasteuriser and a complete refrigeration unit to increase its production.

Additionally, the company will be able to increase the annual processing capacity of Canadian milk.

Furthermore, the investment is expected to create new employment opportunities at Fromagerie Perron facility.

Established in 1885, Fromagerie Perron is engaged in the production of aged cheddars and a wide of range of cheeses made from 100% cow’s milk.

Fromagerie Perron CEO Marc Landry said: “The modernisation of our equipment is essential to our vision for the future.

“It will certainly allow us to improve our competitiveness with European cheeses, strengthen our position on the Canadian market and increase the manufacturing volume of our aged cheeses, while giving us the ability to create new value-added products.”

Nutrinor will receive up to C$293,000 ($220,477) from the Dairy Processor Investment Fund. The money will go towards the purchase and installation of new automated high-temperature (UHT) equipment to sterilise and render aseptic milk and creams.

The new equipment is expected to enhance the shelf life of products and will help the company in lowering its production costs.

Nutrinor is involved in the production of fluid milk, flavoured milk, creams and agri-food products.

Canada Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said: “This investment will help these local businesses expand and create opportunities for growth and economic development.

“Our government is pleased to work closely with industry to ensure Canadians have access to top-quality products while creating well-paying jobs for families in Quebec.”