The provincial government announced a $1-million grant for Lakeside Produce Inc. in Leamington, which is expected to create 203 new jobs.

Provincial Agriculture Minister Jeff Leal made the announcement Tuesday morning.

The partnership will also help expand the company's Leamington plant and retaining 312 positions.

Lakeside Produce grows, ships and markets vegetables, including bell peppers, cucumbers, and specialty tomatoes.

The money from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, will help the company install state-of-the-art equipment in the new processing space to increase efficiency and production capacity.

The project has a total value of almost $7 million and is expected to be completed by fall 2019.

Lakeside has been in the greenhouse business since 1943. Its customers include large retail chains, club stores and food service distributors.