Upfield Canada to open new facility for production of cheese alternatives

Plant-based margarine and spreads maker Upfield Canada has unveiled plans to set up a new production facility to enhance its operational and manufacturing capabilities.

Based in Brantford, Ontario, the facility will replace the company’s existing facility in Etobicoke.

The company expect the new facility to boost its technical and production efficiencies to support its growth plans.

Upfield Canada president Dan Bajor said: “Upfield is investing and innovating to expand our plant-based business in Canada and introduce a new product line here, our plant-based cheese product, Violife.  As part of this expansion, we are launching production in Brantford.

“Our new state-of-the-art facility will supply our spreads and plant-based cheese product to Canadian consumers and support the export of Violife to the US and eventually to markets in Latin America.”

As part of this initiative, Upfield Canada acquired existing 164,000ft² industrial building, and also intends to make significant investments for land acquisitions, infrastructure improvements and equipment for its Brantford facility.

Currently, Upfield has a workforce of 86 members at its Etobicoke facility.

With the expansion of its operations on the 17.4 acres site in Brantford, the company aims to create more jobs between 2021 to 2023.

The new facility is part of the company’s plan to expand its spreads and margarine product portfolio, which includes Becel margarine and plant-based bricks.

The company also intends to scale-up manufacturing platform to support innovations such as Violife 100% vegan cheese alternative products.

The facility should become fully operational by the end of next year.

Once operational, Upfield plans to close its existing Etobicoke facility and move its existing workforce to Brantford.

Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said: “Brantford is very pleased to welcome Upfield to our community.

“The City’s Economic Development staff, Mayor’s Office and Ward Councillors worked diligently to bring this new investment to our city and will continue to assist Upfield in establishing its presence in Brantford. We very much look forward to Upfield joining our expanding list of food manufacturing facilities.”