THOMSON MEATS EXPANSION OFFICIALLY OPENS

Released on May 8, 1996

Deputy Premier and Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter and
Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall today officially opened the
newly-expanded facilities of TML Foods Inc. (Thomson Meats) in Melfort.

The expansion was made possible, in part, through a $500,000 investment
from the Agri-Food Equity Fund and a $286,300 investment from the
Melfort and District Community Bond Corporation. Other financing for
the expansion project was provided by the Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce.

The estimated $4-million expansion of the federally-inspected meat
processing and packaging plant is expected to create about 30 new jobs,
bringing the total number of employees at the plant to 100. The
company's production capacity will be tripled, allowing it to expand
export sales to the Pacific Rim. The expansion will provide for an
increased demand for cattle and hogs to be processed into the specialty
meats the company produces. The expansion will also increase Thomson's
purchases from local suppliers in all aspects of the business.

"Saskatchewan's Partnership for Growth economic strategy targets
value-added food production and export development as key areas for job
creation and business opportunities," Lingenfelter said. "I am pleased
that this project includes those components."

"Thomson Meats is a good example of how an innovative company can
diversify rural Saskatchewan and at the same time be known
internationally as a quality, competitive producer of products for the
world market," Upshall said.

"We appreciate the commitment of all financial institutions to the
continued growth of our company," said Lorne Thomson, president of
Thomson Meats. "The economic spinoffs that will result for the Melfort
area and the province shows how partnerships like this can benefit
everyone."

The Agri-Food Equity Fund was established to assist Saskatchewan
Agriculture and Food in expanding the value-added sector, as outlined
in the Agriculture 2000 strategy. The fund provides equity capital for
new and expanding valued-added agriculture and food businesses and will
invest another $18.5 million in Saskatchewan value-added businesses
over the next four years.

"The investment by the Agri-Food Equity Fund has the related benefit of
assisting in rural economic diversification," Upshall said. "The
financing of new and expanding businesses helps to create jobs and
increases economic activity in rural Saskatchewan communities."

"The Agri-Food Equity Fund and the Community Bond Program enable all
sectors of society to work together co-operatively to stimulate
economic growth," Lingenfelter said. "I am pleased that Melfort area
people have been working in partnership with Thomson Meats under the
Community Bond Program."

The Community Bond Program, administered by Saskatchewan Economic
Development, enables Saskatchewan people to raise capital to invest in
economic development projects in their communities. There are 27
active community bond projects in progress. More than 6,400
Saskatchewan people have raised over $17.1 million in their communities
through 31 bond offerings.

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For more information, contact:

Lyle Bolen Michael Mahon
Executive Manager Chairperson
Agri-Food Equity Fund Melfort and District
Saskatoon Community Bond Corporation
Phone: (306) 933-7682 Melfort
Phone: (306) 752-2832

Lorne Thomson Denise Gustavson
President Director
TML Foods Inc. Investment Programs Branch
Melfort Regina
Phone: (306) 752-2802 Phone: (306) 787-3524