Plans to expand the Teeswater Creamery started 30 months ago. They'll finally come to fruition early next year.
Yesterday, Gay Lea Foods announced $60 million will go towards expansion to increase dairy production and innovation.
Michael Barrett, Gay Lea President and CEO, says the people of Teeswater were full of emotion at the news.
"The reaction was mixed. There was utter disbelief and joy that this investment is being made here," says Barrett, who was on hand for the announcement.
"The other emotion was a release of tension because certainly every rural plant in Ontario wonders about what their future is."
The expansion ensures the future of 85 jobs and will eventually add 20 more.
Barrett says the concept of rural sustainability is in the mantra of Gay Lea Foods.
He adds being able to keep good jobs and while stabilizing economies in rural areas is always best for the farmer-owned co-operative.
