February 20, 2013

Vaughan, Ontario: On Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Minister Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced a federal Government investment in Kisko Products, a family owned and operated business in Vaughan.

The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) approved $31,000 for Kisko Products in Vaughan in support of their frozen food manufacturing operations.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on the drivers of growth and job creation—innovation, investment, education, skills and communities,” said Minister Fantino. “We are supporting Vaughan businesses like Kisko products that successfully develop innovative technologies and help businesses bring new ideas to the marketplace.”

The $31,000 contribution will assist the Vaughan-based company in the development of its growing line of unique and innovative products. NRC-IRAP provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Canada. It engages in cost-shared research and development (R&D) projects with its clients. Firms helped by NRC-IRAP are better equipped to perform basic R&D, commercialize new products and processes, and access new markets.

“As a company striving to grow in a very competitive business environment, the financial investment that we have received from the government through IRAP is allowing us to invest in increased automation, therefore increasing our efficiencies, and allowing us to be more cost competitive. Growth in our business allows us to hire more people, invest more in technology and maintain a true identity as a successful Canadian business.”

Founded by Leslie and Glenor Josephs in 1977, Kisko Products is the largest manufacturer of freeze pops in Canada. Operating in a 115,000 square foot state of the art facility, it is a proud family run business whose focus for over 30 years, has always been to produce the best quality freeze pops in the market. Kisko has an ongoing commitment to product quality and providing 100% customer satisfaction as it relates to their products as well as customer service.

Economic Action Plan 2012 provides substantial direct support for business innovation and makes available $500 million for venture capital. Of this support, an additional $110 million is allocated to NRC-IRAP annually to expand the program’s reach and services for innovative SMEs in Canada.