Regina-based Protein Industries Canada says 2020 has been a successful year despite the coronavirus.

CEO Bill Gruel says five Saskatchewan-based projects were approved last year with a total investment surpassing 100 million dollars.

He says these projects will create more trade opportunities and new consumer food products.

“We expect these five projects, in among themselves, to create 111 jobs, and on top of that, it’s technology that we’re funding with green companies and food processors,” said Gruel. “We’re looking at the development of 150 new products and new patents.”

Protein Industries Canada is one of the key economic growth strategies set up by the federal government.

The goal is to create 5,000 new jobs and add 4.5 billion dollars to the Canadian economy.