MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — Maple Leaf Foods said it will close its plant in Brantford, Ont., in “a phased manner,” ultimately consolidating most of its Further Processed Poultry (FPP) production into its existing plant network through 2025, including facilities in Guelph, London and Hamilton, Ont.

The decision comes after the company earlier this year determined the 100-year-old Brantford facility would likely require significant ongoing investment to continue long-term operations.

“The decision to close any plant is one that we take very seriously,” said Curtis Frank, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Foods. “We are very proud of our team at Brantford and appreciate the great work they do each and every day.”

He continued, “Consolidating production into our current network allows us to reallocate our resources and increase our efficiencies by further optimizing the existing, more modern facilities in our network. This supports our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth and our commitment to produce world-class products safely and efficiently as we support the growth of our protein business.”

Maple Leaf opened its new 660,000-square-foot London, Ont., plant in November 2022. The company poured $772 million into the facility and expects to employ 1,600 people there once it’s fully operational.