It was announced Wednesday that France-based company Roquette will be building a new $400 million pea processing facility near Portage la Prairie.

“We are pleased to enter into this historic partnership with Roquette, which will result in an unparalleled investment in Manitoba’s food-processing and agricultural industry,” said Premier Brian Pallister.  “This new facility will create jobs and establish stronger markets for Canadian farmers while benefiting our province’s economy for decades to come.  It also demonstrates to Canada and to the world that our province is open for business and ready to compete for investments in agricultural production and innovation.”

The facility is expected to create approximately 150 jobs with an estimated annual payroll of around $9 million. The facility will help to better serve customers in North America and globally with high-value nutritional choices including vegetarian foods and high-protein sport nutrition products.

“This new investment in Manitoba marks a key step in reinforcing Roquette’s leadership position in offering high-value plant-based ingredients around the world,” said Roquette Chairman Edouard Roquette.  “The new plant, which will be the largest dedicated to pea protein processing in the world, will support the future of Manitoba’s agriculture industry and help address the growing global demand for innovative food, nutrition and health products and solutions.”

Construction is expected to begin in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie before the end of 2017.  Approximately 350 full-time jobs are anticipated during the project’s two-year design and construction phase.

“This new facility will be an enormous boost to our agricultural economy as a whole and is an exciting opportunity for Manitoba to continue to build its reputation as a leader in food development and processing,” said Manitoba Ag Minister Ralph Eichler.  “Peas are an excellent source of protein, which is in growing demand around the world.  They are also a sustainable crop, complementing the land management and environmental stewardship techniques practiced by our farmers.”

Canada is the largest producer of peas in the world.  Roquette chose Manitoba as the location for the new facility due to the quality of the workforce, the strength of its diverse economy, location as a transportation hub by air, rail and road to the rest of the continent, and access to reliable, sustainable and economical hydroelectric energy.

Roquette is a family owned group, operating in over 100 countries and employing more than 8,000 people worldwide.