In Mount Forest, Wellington Produce Packaging has inaugurated a significant addition to its facility, a development following a devastating fire in June 2023 that razed a warehouse. This event coincided with the firm's commemoration of 40 years at its current Sligo Road location and its 90th year of operation. Company president Paul Hincks highlighted the importance of recognizing such milestones, reflecting on the company's evolution, including its transition from Wellington Wood Products to its present focus on packaging solutions primarily for the agricultural sector.
The company, now shifting towards cardboard and plastics, supplies a variety of packaging materials to farmers and producers across Canada, with a strong emphasis on the Ontario market. Adam Hincks, representing the third generation in the business, underscored the company's commitment to supporting Canadian growers, attributing its origins to the abundant raw materials in the Mount Forest area. Despite the setback from the fire, which occurred during their busiest month and resulted in significant inventory loss, the company has seen growth, aided by community and competitive support, and an efficient insurance claim process.
The newly added 15,000 square feet of space not only represents recovery but also an expansion of the business. The event drew attention from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Canadian Corrugated Containerboard Association, along with government officials who acknowledged the company's resilience and its role in the agricultural landscape. Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox praised the company's longstanding success and its contribution to Mount Forest's identity.
Source: Wellington Advertiser