In a move that will create nearly 1,500 new jobs, Maple Leaf Foods is set to build a new $660 million poultry facility in London.
The Canadian company announced on Monday its plans for the 640,000 square foot facility, which will be located on a 100-acre site along Wilton Grove Road, just south of Highway 401.
“As the largest addition to our food processing sector in the last 20 years, Maple Leaf Foods will bring significant employment and long-term economic benefits to the entire Southwest region,” said Kapil Lakhotia, president & CEO, London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) in a statement.
Initially, the plant will employ 1,450 full and part-time employees.
Maple Leaf has already stated the facility will be one of the most " technologically advanced poultry-processing plants in the world."
“This world-class facility will enable Maple Leaf to meet the steadily growing consumer demand for premium, value-added poultry products, and strengthen Canada’s food system,” said Michael H. McCain, president and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods.
The company says it will be closing its facilities in St. Marys, Brampton, and Toronto and consolidating their production in London.
Maple Leaf will be getting some help from the provincial and federal governments. While the company will put up $605.5 million, it is getting an investment of $34.5 million from the Ontario government and $20 million from the federal government. It is also getting an $8 million loan from the AgriInnovate Fund.
“This is the largest investment in the history of Ontario’s agriculture sector, it demonstrates industry confidence in our growing economy, and it’s another example of how we’re making Ontario open for business," said Premier Doug Ford. "It’s great to see a company like Maple Leaf investing here in London. This innovative new plant will modernize processing, and help make Ontario’s chicken farmers more competitive.”
Construction on the new plant will begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by 2021.