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Carving out a successful business, close to home

McLane’s Meats in Wetaskiwin known for quality service, and quality products
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Wanda and Robin McLane have built McLane’s Meats into a thriving business that supports local farmers and ranchers, and delights retail customers with a delicious array of quality products.

While many of Wetaskiwin’s business and industry leaders enjoy a Canadian — or even global — presence, others are savouring success right here at home.

Just ask McLane’s Meats – a growing business that supports local farmers and ranchers, and delights retail customers with their one-of-a-kind products at the same time.

Run by the husband-and-wife team of Robin and Wanda McLane, the pair established their business nearly 30 years ago. Originally from Edmonton, Robin was keen to return from B.C. to Alberta, and Wetaskiwin was in need of meat processing and butchering services. , It was the perfect place to set up shop, Wanda recalls.

“Because of the kind of business we’re in, it meets the needs of an agricultural community,” she says.

The diverse array of retail offerings from McLane’s Meats remains one of Wetaskiwin’s “best-kept secrets” – perhaps because those in the know don’t want to share!
The diverse array of retail offerings from McLane’s Meats remains one of Wetaskiwin’s “best-kept secrets” – perhaps because those in the know don’t want to share!

As a smaller, tight-knit community where local matters, yet with all the amenities to support business growth, the location was ideal.

Three decades later, “we’ve probably grown 10 times as big, especially in the custom processing work for local farmers,” she reflects.

The retail side of the business has also grown tremendously, though McLane’s retail offerings remain one of Wetaskiwin’s “best-kept secrets” – perhaps because those in the know don’t want to share!

“People are often surprised with the selection we offer and they’re surprised at our prices, because we’re very competitive with the big grocers,” she says.

And after a taste, there’s no doubt they’ll be back.

From Alberta Agriculture-inspected and approved facilities, meat is processed fresh and dry-aged, offering unmatched flavour and texture.

At McLane’s Meats, Robin McLane’s training and experience with sausage making ensures shoppers have delicious varieties to choose from.
At McLane’s Meats, Robin McLane’s training and experience with sausage making ensures shoppers have delicious varieties to choose from.

In addition, Robin’s training and experience with sausage making creates an array of tasty offerings, while take-away snacks like beef jerky and pepperoni are perennial favourites.

Supported by the City and local community, “we’ve noticed, especially over the past two years, people appreciate knowing where their meat is coming from, and supporting local businesses,” Wanda says.

“With a targeted business and receptive community that wants to shop and do business locally, there are opportunities here.”

This business profile is the fourth in a series from Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development office. To learn more about initiatives to grow local business and industry, visit wetaskiwin.ca/831/Invest-Wetaskiwin

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