Vitalus Nutrition Inc and Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited have announced plans to invest in new dairy processing in Manitoba.

The two companies have entered into a joint venture to process dairy ingredients and butter in Winnipeg.

The joint venture includes plans for significant upgrades to modernize an existing food manufacturing facility.

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) will be supplying the raw milk for the new facility.

“Dairy Farmers of Manitoba is pleased to provide milk for this joint venture," said DFM Chair David Wiens. "This new opportunity and our commitment to working together to increase processing capacity in Manitoba will help ensure the continued sustainability of the Canadian dairy industry today and for future generations.”

Dairy producers will also have the opportunity to join Gay Lea Foods as member owners.