Independent ice cream manufacturer Chapman’s will invest more than $145 million1 in a major expansion of its operations in Markdale, Ontario. The investment will create 200 jobs, allow the company to introduce products never before sold in Canada to consumers, while positioning the company to develop its export business to meet growing demand in international markets. The new 175,000-square-foot facility will initially house three new production lines, with three more planned in the years ahead. The family-run business currently employs over 800 full-time workers in Markdale, making it the community’s largest employer. “This expansion comes at a critical time for Chapman’s. The competition from multinationals has only increased in recent years, and this project will help us to establish a stronger competitive ground,” said Ashley Chapman, COO of Chapman’s. “We are grateful to the province and Invest Ontario for the support on this project. Additional funding from Invest Ontario has allowed us to build a bigger facility and support higher paying jobs for Canadians.”
(Photo courtesy of Invest Ontario)
Food manufacturers like Chapman’s tap into Ontario’s strong agricultural sector, its skilled workforce, and expertise in advanced manufacturing. The expansion will feature state-of-the-art equipment and automation technology to boost capacity, improve efficiency and support staff upskilling.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Chapman’s latest investment in Ontario, which is a major vote of confidence in our province’s economy and workers,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “We’re going to continue doing whatever it takes to protect workers by cutting red tape and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs.”
All of Chapman’s products are made in Markdale using milk and cream exclusively sourced in Canada. The expansion will create new opportunities for Canadian suppliers, contributing to the growth of the agri-food economy as more Ontario-made food products are being manufactured and supplied across the country and internationally.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario is proud to stand as a trusted partner for companies seeking a competitive business environment, highly skilled workforce and resilient economy in which to invest,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are thrilled to see Chapman’s expand their Canadian roots and deliver innovative, high-quality Ontario-made products to families here and around the world.”
The investment will be supported with a loan of up to $20 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.
“Chapman’s is a household name in Canada and an Ontario success story. Through this expansion, they are reinforcing their roots at home while opening doors to the world market,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario. “We’re proud to support this Ontario business that will create opportunities for Ontarians and strengthen the province’s supply chain resilience.”
Northern Transformer Corporation To Build $150M Facility In Innisfil
Northern Transformer Corporation (NTC) will invest $150 million to establish a new manufacturing facility in Innisfil, Ontario. The project will create 151 jobs, doubling the company’s workforce and allowing it to enter the Large Power Transformer market. With the new Innisfil plant, the Maple-based manufacturer will produce liquid-filled transformers of up to 750MVA and 500kV — critical equipment used in the construction of high-voltage power transmission networks, electricity generation, and large-scale industrial projects such as mining and data centers.
(Photo courtesy of Invest Ontario)
“We’re proud to expand our footprint in Ontario to meet the rising demand for mission-critical Large Power Transformers across North America. This investment not only boosts our production capacity and technical capabilities, but also drives job creation, innovation and supply chain growth in the region,” said Alexei Miecznikowski, President and CEO of Northern Transformer Corporation.
The new facility will benefit from Ontario’s robust transformer supply chain, sourcing most of its inputs including magnet wire, insulation systems, and electrical steel within Ontario, creating new opportunities for suppliers in the province and reducing reliance on imported materials.
“We’re deeply grateful to our clients—Hydro One for their long-term vision and early commitment, and OPG and Bruce Power for their continued support,” added Miecznikowski. “We also sincerely thank Invest Ontario and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their support. Special thanks to the Town of Innisfil, whose early recognition of this project’s potential and ongoing partnership have been instrumental to its success.”
NCT currently produces Small and Medium Power Transformers and employs 150 workers. Its customers include leading utilities and companies in renewables, nuclear, industrial, mining and petrochemical sectors across North America.
“Northern Transformer’s investment in Innisfil sends a clear and compelling message: In the face of global uncertainty, Ontario remains a stable, resilient and competitive partner to do business with,” said Fedeli. “Through Invest Ontario, our government is proud to support a project that aligns with our unyielding commitment to create high-value jobs for Ontario workers, strengthen Ontario-made supply chains and position the province for lasting prosperity.”
“Our clients appreciate and value long-term, mutually beneficial relationships,” said NTC Chairman Giovanni Marcelli. “This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting their evolving needs as the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation — driven by infrastructure renewal, economic growth, and electrification.”
The investment will be supported with a loan of up to $8 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.
Element5 Expands Mass Timber Production In St. Thomas
Element5 will invest $77 million to expand its mass timber operations in St. Thomas, Ontario. The project will double the site’s production capacity, boosting domestic supply of sustainable building materials to meet the rising demand for affordable, modular housing. The expansion features a new facility equipped with a fully automated Glulam (glued-laminated timber) production line. The investment will create 150 new jobs, with the company’s workforce expected to surpass 300 employees.
(Photo courtesy of Invest Ontario)
“This expansion represents a bold step forward for Element5, our partners and the mass timber industry in Canada,” said Chris Latour, President of Element5. “We are proud to provide innovative, sustainable building solutions that help address Canada’s urgent need for affordable, climate-friendly housing and infrastructure. With our expanded operations, we are even better positioned to support communities across Ontario and North America.”
Element5 taps into Ontario’s forest resources, skilled workforce, and advanced manufacturing expertise for its continued growth. Forests cover nearly two-thirds of the province’s land area, providing a reliable supply of sustainably sourced lumber.
By increasing production of Glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) made of lumber sourced in Northern Ontario, Element5’s expansion contributes to strengthening the province’s forestry sector and regional economies, while reducing the reliance on imported building materials.
“Ontario’s forestry and wood manufacturing sectors support tens of thousands of jobs across the province,” said Fedeli. “As our government delivers on our plan to protect Ontario, Element5’s expansion will create over a hundred new jobs and bolster the province’s wood manufacturing supply chain, increasing the forestry sector’s competitiveness and unlocking new opportunities for workers, builders and homeowners.”
Last year, Element5 received a strategic investment from parent company the HASSLACHER group, an Austrian-based timber producer, that helped fund this expansion. The investment will also be supported with a loan of up to $6 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.
“At Invest Ontario, we are expanding our scope to respond to a changing economic environment including support for affordable housing which is a priority for Ontario,” said Nasim. “This project advances that focus by supporting a homegrown mass timber supplier that is instrumental in meeting the growing demand for affordable, modular construction.”
1 All Canadian dollars have been converted to U.S. dollars
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