This is one in a series of profiles of CFIN members that have successfully applied for and received funding through CFIN’s Innovation Booster program.
Bolton, ON-based PLAN Automation Inc. uses state-of-the-art X-ray technology to inspect clients’ products, separating good from suspect product, in order for clients to feel secure in releasing its products to market. This technology works with a variety of food and beverage and consumer goods and can flag various types and dimensions of foreign matter at line speed. PLAN Automation received $100,000 in funding towards its pilot of novel foreign matter reclamation technology for food and beverage products.
CFIN sat down with PLAN Automation’s CFO Marcello LaGrotta to discuss the company.
Q: What is your company’s mission?
A: PLAN Automation Inc. seeks to continuously expand both its knowledge and category leading manufacturing and service base to provide clients large and small an exact equipment and service solution to their specific needs.
Q: Why did you apply for this funding and how will you use it?
A: Since its inception, PLAN has been a key partner to several food and beverage clients, providing goods and services designed to both improve the manufacturing process as well as keep our food supply safe. It came to our attention that to help serve as many clients as possible, PLAN needed to provide a reclaim service that was completely reliable, flexible (could be performed at the client’s site as well as at our facility), and cost effective. This funding will go a very long way in assisting PLAN in meeting these objectives, for the betterment of all our food and beverage providers.
Q: What excites you most about working in this area of the food industry?
A: Food and beverage is a necessity, and PLAN is proud to be a significant part of a safe and reliable food and beverage supply chain.
Q: Please comment on the importance of public funding to help companies clear innovation hurdles and access leveraged funds.
A: Public funding is critical to any Canadian SME participating in a very competitive market. PLAN has the potential to reach hundreds if not thousands of clients large and small and assist them in achieving their production and safety goals in a very cost-effective manner, which improves competitiveness for all Canadians. PLAN also employs a highly skilled workforce. Public funding allows companies like PLAN to stretch its workforce in ways that would otherwise not be possible.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for your company?
A: As a result of this funding, PLAN can continue its journey to reaching as many clients as possible with our novel solution to food safety.
Q: If you had to pick one person to make you a meal, who would you choose?
A: We surveyed all team members and the clear winner is…our moms.
Ready to access funding for your innovative initiative? Click here to find out more about CFIN’s funding programs.
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