A local business is being cautious with its expansion plans due to the ongoing NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) negotiations.

Jason Brandes, Director of Marketing for Bothwell Cheese, says all the recent trade negotiations with NAFTA, CETA (Canada European Trade Agreement) and TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) have created changes to the dairy industry as a whole. He adds Bothwell Cheese is looking to potentially expand in the future but are holding off until any those changes or agreements are fully known.

"Initial plans for an expansion have been initiated including the purchase of additional land around the current facility and the building of a new wastewater treatment facility building. Our expansion plans are multifaceted and they include expanding our capacity within the current facility as well as plans for a new facility."

Brandes adds they know the federal government supports the dairy supply management system and adds they trust them to continue supporting it through the negotiation process. Brandes says their long-term plan is to continue to grow and support the local dairy industry by using 100% local milk in all of their products.

"Our expansion plans are confidential, however, it is safe to say that with our current growth rate we will at some point in the future require a new and bigger cheese production facility. The exact timing of the facility is not known but in the meantime, we are continuing to grow and creating additional jobs and tax base for the community."