MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited plans to invest $140 million in the next four years to build an innovative nutraceutical-grade dairy ingredients hub in Canada. The company’s record investment in Canadian dairy processing will contribute to its mission to transform Canadian milk by building an innovative, market-driven ingredients business.
“As a dairy farmer and co-operative member owner, I am excited that Gay Lea Foods is driving growth through innovation and the development of new markets that will increase demand for milk from Canadian dairy farms,” says Steve Dolson, chair, Gay Lea Foods. “I am also proud that Gay Lea Foods is once again leading the way by demonstrating that rural Ontario is capable of world-class innovation and food manufacturing.”
The first phase of the project will begin in early 2017, with a $60-million expansion plan in Bruce County, Ont. This phase also includes the building of a Research & Development Centre of Excellence in Hamilton, Ont. Gay Lea’s existing food-manufacturing facilities in Toronto will also receive upgrades and expansions in order to increase competitiveness in the market and improve cost efficiencies while reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
“Gay Lea Foods is motivated to shape the Canadian dairy industry of tomorrow while nourishing our farmer-owned co-operative today,” says Michael Barrett, president and CEO, Gay Lea Foods. “Our co-operative is proving successful and continuous growth as a wholly owned Canadian dairy-and-food processor is possible. We are pleased to contribute to a growing Canadian economy, creating middle-class jobs while sustaining our local communities.”
