Maple Leaf Foods inaugurates poultry factory in light of robust North American appetite for chicken

30 Sep 2022 --- Maple Leaf Foods has completed construction of its new US-based poultry plant in London, Ontario, slightly ahead of schedule. Equipment testing has begun and new people are being hired to enable production start-up on schedule in Q4 2022.

“As we get closer to commercial production, we know we are well on our way toward realizing the benefits and returns on this US$772 million strategic investment,” comments Michael McCain, CEO.

The company expects the plant to generate approximately US$100 million annually of incremental adjusted EBITDA on a run-rate basis once production is fully ramped up around the end of 2023, McCain details.

“This investment in one of the largest, most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in the world, is another example of how Maple Leaf Foods is strategically positioned to serve growing markets, while remaining true to its sustainability commitments.”

Maple Leaf Foods highlights that chicken continues to be the most consumed and fastest growing meat protein in Canada.Robust North American appetite for chicken
Maple Leaf Foods highlights that chicken continues to be the most consumed and fastest growing meat protein in Canada.

The company notes there is “particularly high” demand for raised without antibiotics and halal chicken products, categories where Maple Leaf Foods has a collection of national brands, including Maple Leaf Prime and Mina.

The London Poultry plant has a footprint of 660,000 square feet.

“Our investment in  food safety, environmental and animal care technologies will allow us to efficiently deliver a premium mix of value-added poultry products to meet steadily growing consumer demand, while also strengthening Canada's food system and advancing our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth,” remarks Curtis Frank, president and COO.  

US poultry market
Poultry producers in the US this month benefitted from the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) injection of an additional US$21.9 million of funding through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Program, bringing total funding to US$54.6 million. 

Earlier this week, the USDA announced a US$15 million Agricultural Competition Challenge to ramp up collaboration with the State Attorneys General on enforcement of anti-competition laws for poultry, such as those against price-fixing.

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer