CALGARY, Alberta – BHJ Canada Meat Products Inc. received $1 million from the Canadian government to purchase and install new equipment and technology at the company’s facility.

BHJ supplies materials from various Alberta beef, pork and poultry producers to the pet food industry in Canada, the US and Europe. The new equipment will help BHJ increase the company's production capacity and sales. The equipment also provides a value-added option for products that currently go unused.

"This investment was key to our expansion," said Rod Deibert, president of BHJ Canada. "It enabled us to pursue a project that enhances our core business and expands our processing capacity from a range of suppliers within our industry."

The repayable investment is provided through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund through the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year, $50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada.

"Our government is helping Alberta meat processors become more profitable and competitive because the economy is our number one priority," said Member of Parliament Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will help BHJ Canada Meat Products Inc. expand their operations and increase domestic and export sales, helping to strengthen our economy for the future."