Gay Lea Foods invests $200M to expand Toronto facility
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited is investing more than $200 million to expand its Clayson Road dairy manufacturing plant in Toronto.
The major investment will help address a national shortage of cottage cheese and add production capacity across the co-operative’s portfolio of high-protein dairy products.
The project is the first major milestone in a larger $450-million Network for Growth strategy. The multi-year plan aims to modernize and strengthen the company’s Canadian manufacturing network, helping it adapt to changing consumer demand while creating long-term value for its farmer members.
Demand for cottage cheese has grown significantly as Canadian shoppers look for affordable, nutritious health and wellness options. The Toronto facility expansion responds to that demand and positions the farmer-owned co-operative to help lead cultured dairy in Canada.
"This investment reflects our confidence in the future of Canadian dairy and in Gay Lea Foods' role in helping shape it," Suzanna Dalrymple, president and chief executive officer of Gay Lea Foods, said in a statement. "That future will be built on Canadian dairy farms and in modern processing facilities equipped to respond to evolving consumer preferences."
READ: Gay Lea Foods, Second Harvest partner to combat food insecurity
Advanced technology and job creation
The expansion will bring advanced processing technology and modern equipment to the Clayson Road site. These upgrades are designed to boost production capacity, improve productivity and increase operational flexibility.
By expanding output for high-protein dairy items like cottage cheese and improving processing capability, the company aims to support employees and farmer members while advancing its purpose to enrich life with dairy.
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028. Once finished, the expanded plant will create up to 75 new positions at the Clayson Road location, adding skilled manufacturing jobs to the local economy.
"For more than 65 years, our farmer-members have invested to build a stronger future for Canadian dairy," Andrew Henderson, chair of the board at Gay Lea Foods, said. "Expanding a facility that transforms Canadian milk into a product sold exclusively to Canadian consumers, is a natural extension of our co-operative's legacy."
