Chapman’s, Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer, has plans for a multi-million-dollar expansion in Markdale.
Chapman’s is investing over $200 million to grow its operations and workforce. The project would bring the family-run company’s workforce to over 1,000 employees.
“Our products are more popular than ever before, and we are starting to get to that point where we are at capacity on most of our lines, so it made sense that now is the time, and we have to keep on growing,” said Ashley Chapman, Chapman’s chief operating officer.
On Friday, Premier Doug Ford visited the Markdale location calling the news a “major vote of confidence” in Ontario’s economy and workers.
“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,” said Ford during a press conference on Friday outside Chapman’s facility, before stating his love for the Canadian-made products.
“I eat these things every night,” Ford added, holding a Chapman’s ice cream bar. “These are the best ice cream sandwiches anywhere,” he added before taking a bite.
The new facility will be 175,000 square feet and enable Chapman’s to develop new products, meet growing demand, and expand into international markets.
Clarification
A previous version quoted the provincial press release stating Ontario invested $27 million in the expansion. A representative for Chapmans’ clarified the release, explaining it is a $27 million interest free loan, not direct investment or gift.
