October 4, 2022

Maple Leaf completes new poultry plant in Ontario, Canada

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. confirmed on September 29 that it has completed construction of its new, state-of-the-art, value-added poultry plant in London, Ontario, Canada, slightly ahead of schedule.

Equipment testing has begun and new people are hired to enable production start-up on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2022.

"I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving this important milestone ahead of schedule in a very challenging environment," said Michael H. McCain, chief executive officer of Maple Leaf.  "As we get closer to commercial production, we know we are well on our way toward realising the benefits and returns on this $772 million strategic investment. We expect the plant to generate approximately $100 million annually of incremental (adjusted EBITDA) on a run-rate basis once production is fully ramped up around the end of 2023.

"This landmark investment in one of the largest, most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in the world, is yet another example of how Maple Leaf Foods is strategically positioned to serve growing markets, while remaining true to its sustainability commitments." 

With a footprint of 660,000 square feet, combined with leading-edge innovation and technology, the London poultry plant provides Maple Leaf Foods flexibility and capacity to meet growing demand.

"Our investment in industry-leading food safety, environmental and animal care technologies will allow us to efficiently deliver a premium mix of value-add poultry products to meet steadily growing consumer demand, while also strengthening Canada's food system and advancing our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth," said Curtis Frank, president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf.  "London Poultry is truly a next generation plant that exemplifies Maple Leaf Foods' approach to delivering shared value for all stakeholders."

A key part of the planning through start up is building up the operations team.

Maple Leaf Foods expects to hire about 600 people by the end of 2022 and will employ about 1600 people once the plant is operating at full capacity. 

- Maple Leaf