40 BUILD MANITOBA winnipegconstruction.ca Fisher Construction Group has applied their fast track design build construction approach often to projects of this size, this being the fifth potato processing facility Fisher has built in less than 10 years. In 2003, Fisher and Stuart Olson built Simplot’s original facility in Portage. Gagne adds that this approach has kept the project on track and according to plan, insisting its success would not be possible without a team that is well versed in specialized projects of this nature: “It is imperative to have the right people on a fast track design-build project.” PROVINCIAL SUPPORT The Manitoba government is welcoming the expansion with open arms. In addition to providing tax increment financing up to $6.31 million to support capital investments and road improvements, it is providing additional funds for employee training. In his statement to press at the onset of the expansion, Ralph Eichler, Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture, praised Simplot for its role as a pillar of the province’s agriculture and food processing sector, adding, “The plant’s increase in capacity also presents a tremendous opportunity for Manitoba farmers to strengthen their partnership with a reliable local processor and increase potato production in Manitoba.” Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister also spoke to the significance of Simplot’s expanded operations, saying, “Simplot, like others before them, has taken notice of a renewed focus on improving the business climate and our efforts to create opportunities for growth and investment.” GROWING UP Crews are on track to completing the expansion by their fall 2019 deadline. And while the project’s completion will boost activity among regional growers, Gagne says the project is a boon for the industry: “Massive projects of this type provide the opportunity for all trades to grow their food processing business relationships, and we’re proud to be among them.” SILEX Fiberglass Windows & Doors Beautiful Comfort 1266 Border Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0M6 T. 204 788 0648 | F. 204 788 0649 | www.silexfiberglass.com MERIDIAN HAULING Box 155 • Oak Bluff • MB • R0G 1N0 Standard Roll Off bin sizes - 13 to 45 cubic yards Mini Roll Off Bins - 15 cubic yards Crane Bins Tipper Bins Complete LEED and Green Globe Tracking Clean, professional, bins to compliment your site Same day service Need a Bin? Get Meridian! 204.294.2364 ben@meridianhauling.ca meridianhauling.ca