When it comes to building success in the community most will tell it happens because of the people.
Harold Leason is a big believer in the value of people. He has been in Innisfail since 1983 and credits the people he has worked with, as well as the citizens of Innisfail, for the local success of his company - Nestlé Purina PetCare.
“The tremendous asset here for the plant has been the people, as well as the support of the town. They have been equally tremendous,” said Leason, who is the factory manager of the local Purina plant. “I really believe that is why the plant has been so successful here.”
Leason is retiring this month after 40 years in the pet food and feed industry. His career journey saw him work for three different companies.
Forty years ago Leason started his career in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In 1979, he became a plant manager in Wynyard. And then in 1983 came his move to Innisfail, where he became plant manager of the company that was then owned by Western Pet Foods, a division of United Grain Growers.
“I am certainly pleased with the growth of the plant,” said Leason, whose company was purchased by its current owner in 2001. “It is now one of the world class plants in the Nestlé group of plants. I am most proud of the fact that in the small town of Innisfail we are maintaining that status.”
When Leason arrived in Innisfail 28 years ago there were about 40 employees at the plant. Today that figure has doubled. The local plant has also expanded the number of products it produces. In 2006 the plant’s warehouse underwent major expansion and became the distribution centre for all western Canada.
“The business has changed so much,” said Leason. “Automation has played a significant role and then there has been a tremendous change in technology.”
Over his nearly three decades in Innisfail Leason has also played a major role in helping shape the community. He was a board member with both the Innisfail minor hockey and baseball associations. Leason is a former Rotarian. He was a town representative on the Central Alberta Economic Partnership, and he was a member of both the Alberta Food Processors Association and the Pet Food Association of Canada.
Best of all though was that he discovered Innisfail was a great place to raise a family. With his wife Beverly he raised one boy and three girls in this community. His children now all live in Alberta. The couple has three grandchildren.
As for retirement Leason says there are plans to do a lot of golfing, winter traveling, camping and of course just spending more time with his family.
“I am going to relax for a while after 40 years,” he said. “Who knows where that is going to take me.”
