Sunrise Meat and Packaging, owned and operated by Paul and Susan Peters, have relocated to just west of Barwick, to a location formerly known as Martin’s Meats, from their original store west of Stratton.
“This will be more centralized for the business,” admits Peters, it is a great area to serve the public.
Sunrise Meat and Packaging all came about when the Stratton processing plant closed.
“It was just a matter of time before someone would come back into the business of butchering and processing in the Rainy River District,” said Peters. Paul had worked at the plant for 16 years before it closed its doors in 1995.
The Peters sure had the experience to pursue the idea at that time. Peters and wife, Susan, resigned as janitors with the local school board and went right into business.
They had started back in the fall of 1998 on a short-term trial basis, butchering, packaging meat, processing sausages and marketing some meats from their Ott Road residence, two miles from Stratton. The business was located on the west side of their home, including a renovated garage to handle the needs of customers looking at meat processing.
Some of the equipment was purchased from the Stratton plant and others through companies related to the business.
They erected a built-in smoker and located outside was a hanging cooler and quick freeze. All this now will be under one roof for easy access.
The Peters family purchased the Martin’s property in June 2001, when the Hanson-Martins moved to Oxville, Ont.
Thus far, they have one employer, Elizabeth Petkua, but as traffic increases and improves, there is a possibility of adding more.
Locally, the Peters butcher for individuals who want their animals slaughtered and processed on appointment.
The business is inspected and licensed to sell their products.
The couple are proud to say they’ve not received any government loan, noting they received help from the bank and invested their own money to get the project off the ground and on the road successfully. Their son, Jason, will be pitching in to help out as required.
The business opened Monday, July 7. Hours of service are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5:30p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. It’s closed Sundays and holidays.
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