Earlier today, Premier Catherine Callbeck, along with Robert Morrissey, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Clifford Doucette, President of Tignish Fisheries Co-operative Association Ltd., officially opened the Royal Star Foods Ltd. Plant in Tignish. The new value-added production facility is a subsidiary of Tignish Fisheries Co-operative Association Ltd.
The expansion and modernization of the present operation began over a year ago and was designed to upgrade both the equipment and processing facilities. Employment at the plant will increase from its current level of 250 to approximately 350 and the number of work weeks for the current employees will also increase. This level of employment will generate approximately 150 indirect jobs for a total of 500 jobs as a result of the expansion and modernization. This will make Royal Star the single largest employer west of Cavendish Farms.
Tignish Fisheries continues to play an important role in both the community of Tignish and the fishing industry in PEI. Since it was established in 1925, membership in the association has grown substantially from 29 fishermen to the present level of over 166. The organization has witnessed many changes in the industry and is planning for the 21st century. The expanded facility is designed and constructed to meet international standards.
‘The province is a strong supporter of primary producers in PEI. In order for the rural community to grow and prosper, it is important for government to support these type of projects,' said Premier Callbeck. ‘It is expensive for industry to compete on a global scale these days. This project is another example of government continuing to partner with the private sector to develop long-term employment.'
‘Developing our primary sectors through adding value to resource outputs has been central to the province's economic development strategy,' said Mr. Morrissey. ‘Focusing efforts on creating and commercializing higher-value, processed products will yield significant benefits to the fishing industry as a whole, as well as the Island economy.'
‘Thanks to the commitment of our membership and our loyal employees, it was possible to bring this project from vision to reality,' said Clifford Doucette, President of both Tignish Fisheries Co-operative Association Ltd. and Royal Star Foods Ltd. ‘Without the support and encouragement of the Prince Edward Island government, this project would not have been possible.'