Highbury Canco to hire 200 people

Highbury Canco is hiring 200 seasonal workers for its annual tomato harvest at the Leamington plant, says company president Sam Diab. Up to 75 new hires will become fulltime employees, bringing total employment to between 515 and 520, said Diab. When Highbury Canco took the plant over from H.J. Heinz two years ago, there were about 670 workers at the facility. “We’re certainly making progress toward the number,” he said, adding that Highbury Canco started with 250 workers. He said the company has secured new contracts, but would not disclose details. Diab credited Highbury Canco’s “talented” workforce for the company’s success. Highbury Canco will hold a job fair at its Leamington location Aug. 8. “We’re also looking for skilled trades and supervisory staff,” said Diab. Full-time unskilled workers start at $15 an hour, plus benefits.