The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) announced the investment of up to $995,000 on behalf of the Harper Government in Canada.
GPI’s project includes purchasing processing equipment to accommodate product expansion and introducing a food safety product, to target foodborne pathogens.
FedDev Ontario's repayable contribution, through the Investing in Business Growth and Productivity initiative, helps established businesses to expand operations, invest in productivity improvements and compete globally.
GPI manufactures anti-microbial vinegar and bacteria-based ingredients, used to protect against foodborne illnesses.
The firm exports 97% of products and will sell the bacteria-based item to the US market.
Funding will allow the firm to diversify into new markets with a line of bacteria-based products to be used to help prevent Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens.
It is expected to create up to four full-time jobs by 2017 and three additional positions in the two years following project completion.
Kenneth Tan, managing director of Gum Products International, said the funding will allow it to implement its plan to bring products to the market.
“Foodborne pathogens and the microbial safety of food are a growing concern worldwide. There is a huge latent demand for these anti-microbial ingredients which are highly effective but totally natural."