Ontario invests $1M in St. Francis Herb Farm Inc.
by CM Staff
With $1 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, the company is engaging in retrofits and process enhancements, as well as acquiring new equipment for capsule production.
Image: iStock
BARRY’S BAY — The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $12.7 million by St. Francis Herb Farm to help strengthen local manufacturing, create good jobs, and attract investment to Barry’s Bay and the surrounding region. Through the Regional Development Program, the province is investing $1 million in this Ottawa Valley business, helping to create 12 new jobs, while retaining 34 existing positions.
“Our government’s top priority throughout the pandemic has been protecting the province’s health and protecting our jobs and economy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This project is making a significant impact in communities and economies across the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario. It is enabling long-term measurable outcomes, including private-sector investment, job creation and retention, and strong regional growth.”
St. Francis Herb Farm Inc. is investing $12.7 million to consolidate activities to a new facility in Barry’s Bay, while adding new capabilities to optimize the production of its plant-based medicines. With $1 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, the company is engaging in retrofits and process enhancements, as well as acquiring new equipment for capsule production that will reduce lead times and decrease production costs. St. Francis Herb Farm produces herbal medicines that are used to address a number of conditions, including cognitive health, skin care, stress and anxiety, and pain.
“St. Francis Herb Farm has long been an incredible community partner in Combermere, Barry’s Bay, and for the whole surrounding region,” said John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew – Nipissing – Pembroke. “We are proud to provide support for their investment in their new Barry’s Bay facility, the new jobs it has created, and look forward to their future growth in our community.”
“We, at St Francis Herb Farm, greatly appreciate our partnership with EODF,” said Paul Rivett-Carnac, President and CEO. “The support provided by the EODF helps to strengthen our leadership position within the natural health product industry through the construction of our new facility and the expansion of manufacturing capabilities, providing further and meaningful employment for 12 new hires within the local community.”
