Institute of Food Processing Technology Celebrates Its Grand Opening

Nov 16, 2012

Ontario’s Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Gets a Boost with Technology Centre

The food processing industry is hailed as Ontario’s largest manufacturing employer in the province. Given this status, it makes sense to invest in this sector. On Thursday, Conestoga College of Technology and Advanced Learning were pleased to have the grand opening of the Institute of Food Processing Technology (IFPT).

The opening of the IFPT was created in partnership with the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors (AOFP) and Conestoga College. The facility is a one-of-a-kind that seeks to focus on cultivating a skilled workforce – which will be unique to the needs of the sector.

The timing of the facility couldn’t have been better, as a recent study released by AOFP suggested that the food processing sector will face skilled workforce shortages by 2026. The creation of the IFPT will seek to address some of those future skill shortages and attempt to strengthen Ontario’s economy.

The new state-of-the-art facility will provide enhanced educational opportunities for students while meeting the needs of a growing food and beverage industry.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.