Sunrise Farms To Build $100M Poultry Facility In Woodstock

WOODSTOCK — On May 20, the Ontario government announced an investment of over $100 million from Sunrise Farms, a family-owned Canadian poultry business, to build a new processing facility in Woodstock, Ont. This expansion will create 100 new jobs in Woodstock and support 248 existing positions across Ontario.

The 155,000-square-foot facility intends to enhance the company’s processing capacity, increase procurement from Ontario farms and support economic growth across rural communities.

“Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, generating $52 billion in GDP and employing 1 in 9 people across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This significant investment by Sunrise Farms to expand their processing capacity will help ensure our province remains a global leader in food production while creating jobs and strengthening Ontario’s food independence.”

Upon receiving its federal license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Sunrise Farms will also be positioned to expand the distribution of its Sargent Farms branded products across provincial and territorial borders. In support of this investment, Ontario is providing up to $4 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.

“We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within Ontario,” said David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms. “This project represents the largest greenfield investment in Sunrise’s history. Upon completion, the new facility will enable Sunrise to respond effectively to increasing demand for Sargent Farms branded halal certified products throughout Ontario and nationwide. This development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and reinforce Ontario’s food system.”

Sunrise employs 3,600 workers across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.