Multi-million-dollar food processing plant coming to Woodstock

Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fideli, was in Woodstock on Wednesday to announce plans for a new $100 million poultry processing plant. (Contributed photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

The provincial government has announced an investment of over $100 million from Sunrise Farms, a family-owned Canadian poultry business, to build a new state-of-the-art processing facility in Woodstock.

“The expansion builds on the company’s strong foundation in the Canadian poultry industry, while strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and self-reliance of the province’s agri-food supply chain by creating 100 new, good-paying jobs in Woodstock and supporting 248 existing positions across Ontario,” said a press release.

“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government is fostering its long-term competitiveness and resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As demand for Ontario-made products rises, Sunrise Farms’ investment will add critical processing capacity to our domestic supply chain, creating new opportunities for Ontario workers, farmers and suppliers.”

Sunrise Farms said it will develop one of the most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in Canada, while maintaining high food-safety and environmental standards. Once operational, the new, 155,000-square-foot facility will enhance the company’s processing capacity, increase procurement from Ontario farms and support economic growth across rural communities.

“Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, generating $52 billion in GDP and employing one in nine people across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This significant investment by Sunrise Farms to expand their processing capacity will help ensure our province remains a global leader in food production while creating jobs and strengthening Ontario’s food independence.”

Upon receiving its federal license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the company will also be positioned to expand the distribution of its Sargent Farms branded products across provincial and territorial borders, unlocking new market opportunities for Ontario-made goods across Canada. In support of this investment, Ontario is providing up to $4 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.

“We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within Ontario,” said David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms. “This project represents the largest greenfield investment in Sunrise's history. Upon completion, the new facility will enable Sunrise to respond effectively to increasing demand for Sargent Farms branded halal-certified products throughout Ontario and nationwide. This development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and reinforce Ontario's food system.”

Founded in 1983, Sunrise Farms is a family-owned and operated Canadian business employing approximately 3,600 workers across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.