Mrs. Dunster’s Expands Operations to PEI
Originally known for its homemade donuts, Mrs. Dunster’s Inc. has continued to grow and expand its product lines since it began in New Brunswick in the 1960’s. The family owned company now has an extensive line of baked goods sold fresh in 600 stores throughout the Maritimes and Maine. In 2015, the company purchased the assets of Snairs Golden Grain Ltd, an established bakery on PEI. The expansion into PEI is a natural fit for Mrs. Dunster’s growth strategy, providing an opportunity to expand its production capacity as well as its reach into new markets. The company now produces artisan breads and rolls in its Borden-Carleton bakery.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced combined government support for Mrs. Dunster’s operations in Borden-Carleton.
Through its Business Development Program, ACOA is providing a repayable contribution of $187,725 to help Mrs. Dunster’s acquire processing equipment and undertake facility improvements to improve overall efficiency. The PEI Department of Economic Development and Tourism is contributing to the project through Innovation PEI with a $48,109 non-repayable investment for the purchase of equipment, and a $105,706 repayable contribution through the PEI Century Fund which enabled Mrs. Dunster’s to assume outstanding financing from the previous owners. In addition, the PEI Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning has added a $47,024 investment through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreement for staff training during the start-up phase at the Borden-Carleton bakery.
Quotes
“The investment in this facility is great news for Borden-Carleton and surrounding areas, and I am pleased to announce support for Mrs. Dunster’s Inc. as it expands operations to PEI, which will preserve and create jobs for Islanders. The Government of Canada recognizes that support for innovation and entrepreneurship is important for setting the right conditions to help our businesses remain competitive, and to spur economic growth for the region.”
- The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“Since Mrs. Dunster’s assumed control of the facility it’s nearly doubled its staff, with 20 full time and 13 part time employees. The province is committed to supporting existing businesses like Mrs. Dunster’s as they expand – and also helping new businesses get the start they need – which allows us to grow the provincial economy, increase exports, and create and preserve good jobs for Islanders.
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“The investments we have made and continue to make in the Borden Bakery will help us continue to keep up with increasing demand from our customers for great tasting, local fresh baked goods made right here in the Maritimes, The support we are receiving from the province of PEI and ACOA have been instrumental in helping our company grow our presence in PEI and create jobs”
- Blair Hyslop, President of Mrs. Dunster’s Inc.
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