November 29, 2022

Maple Leaf's Ontario, Canada poultry plant starts production

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. announced that production began on November 28 at its new, state of the art, value-added poultry plant in London, Ontario, Canada. 

"This is an exciting day for Maple Leaf Foods and an exciting day for Canada," said Michael H. McCain, chief executive officer of the company. "Our London plant is one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities and shows how Maple Leaf Foods can serve growing markets and maintain its strong commitment to sustainability leadership."

According to McCain, Maple Leaf Foods will soon realise the benefits and returns on the $772 million strategic investment.  The company expects 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.

The London plant will play a key role in delivering some of the most in-demand chicken products, including raised-without-antibiotics and halal chicken products, categories where Maple Leaf Foods has strong, leading national brands, including Maple Leaf Prime and Mina. 

With a footprint of 660,000 square feet and an array of innovative technologies, the London poultry plant gives Maple Leaf Foods the capacity to meet this growing demand.

"We've invested in industry-leading food safety, environmental and animal care technologies to deliver premium, value-added and sustainable poultry products that consumers are demanding," said Curtis Frank, president and chief operating officer. "At the same time, we're helping Canada's food system lead in feeding the world as we deliver on our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth. 

"Our next generation London plant is further proof of our commitment to deliver shared value for our shareholders, our people, our customers and the planet."

More than 400 people now work at the London site, which will employ approximately 1,600 people once the plant is operating at full capacity. The site has been designed and built to create a modern, inviting and inclusive environment.

- Maple Leaf Foods