I'm a Heinz Baby

This week' blog is dedicated to all the family and friends who are part of the Heinz family.   We heard it a few times before and it was surreal when it was actually announced last week the plant will be closing next year.

Growing up in the Tomato Capital of Canada (arguably in the World) it is still hard to believe the news.

Do you remember the baby question:  "Are you a Heinz Baby or a Gerber Baby?".   There was another baby food out there?  

Proud to say I am a Heinz Baby, born and raised in Leamington, thanks to my Father who immigrated to Leamington in 1953.  Dad worked at Heinz for 36 years and has been retired now for 24 years.  That makes him part of the Heinz family for 60 of their 104 years!

At the 100th Heinz banquet, my Dad brought back the 100-year Heinz anniversary book and enjoyed reading the history of the Leamington plant.  It was interesting to read about the business challenges of the late 1800's and early 1900's as Leamington town council was looking for a company to move in and create jobs.

Growing up in Leamington, it was the company to work for and you knew they would always take care of you.  I chose to move Windsor and pursue a different path.  I do remember when I was younger dreaming of working in the office at Heinz.

The Heinz whistle was our clock every summer when we were working on the farm or trying to get out of work!   Mid-day the whistle blew and it was time to head in for lunch.   Late afternoon, the five-minute warning whistle blew at 4:55 and it seemed so long for the 5 O'Clock whistle to blow.

Once, with my brother Rick, we were very fortunate to slip in with friends making a tomato delivery during "Busy Season".   We met up with Dad for a quick tour.  It was very fascinating as a young kid to see such a vast plant with so many people and so much machinery.

During my career, I was able to meet with the IT department on a few occasions and we did some business.   The second tour of the facility as an adult never came and would have enjoyed it.

Heinz ketchup says it all and can't even think of another brand at the top of my head.

Wishing all the workers will find work afterwards and this Community will continue to help and support you.

Click on this link for some vintage pictures:  http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/14/heinz-in-leamington-a-look-back-at-ketchup-giants-history-in-canadas-tomato-capital/

Heinz Canada - Timeline:
http://www.heinz.ca/assets/heinz_canada_timeline.pdf