ASBESTOS, QUEBEC - Viandes Laroche was awarded $900,000 (US$846,000) in repayable funding through the Canadian government’s Business and Regional Growth program and Community Adjustment Fund for the construction of a larger plant in the City of Asbestos. Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Megantic-L'Erable, made the announcement. Thirty new jobs will also be created as a result of this move.

Viandes Laroche, founded in 1974, specializes in Choice beef, pork, poultry, veal and delicatessen products, including Viandes Selectionnees des Cantons certified meats that are both hormone- and antibiotic-free. Inside Canada, the processor is considered a pioneer for implementing an integrated traceability system that allows it to guarantee the origin and quality of its meats.


The processor is currently in need of a larger facility in the city in order to consolidate its slaughtering, processing and storage operations. This project is expected to result in an investment of more than $11 million (US$10.3 million) in Asbestos.