Maple Leaf Foods begins production at London poultry facility in Ontario

Maple Leaf Foods, a Canadian consumer packaged meats company, has begun production at its new poultry facility in London, Ontario, increasing the company’s chicken processing capacity to meet the growing demand.

Built with an investment of CAD 772 million ($568.4 million), the poultry processing plant will deliver chicken products, including halal chicken products and those raised without antibiotics, and brands such as Mina and Maple Leaf Prime.

Michael H McCain — Maple Leaf Foods CEO said: “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.”

The London poultry facility is spread over an area of 660,000 square feet and features a wide range of technologies.

Maple Leaf Foods commences production at London poultry facility in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Maple Leaf Foods.

Curtis Frank — Maple Leaf Foods President and Chief Operating Officer said:  “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.

“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.”

The new poultry plant in Ontario currently employs over 400 people and anticipates employing around 1,600 people upon achieving full capacity.

Maple Leaf Foods expects the poultry processing facility is expected to generate an incremental Adjusted EBITDA on a run-rate basis of around CAD $100 million ($73.6 million) after production is 100% ramped up at the fag end of 2023.

Maple Leaf Foods brands include Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Maple Leaf Prime, Schneiders, Mina, Schneiders Country Naturals, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., Field Roast, and Lightlife.