Gay Lea Foods invests $200m in Toronto dairy plant

Gay Lea Foods, a farmer-owned Canadian co-operative, is committing more than $200m to the expansion of its Clayson Road dairy manufacturing facility in Toronto. The company said the project responds to growing demand for high-protein dairy products and will add production capacity at the site.

Cottage cheese is among the products covered by the expansion. Gay Lea Foods said demand for cottage cheese has contributed to supply shortages in Canada, leading it to increase investment in its cultured and high-protein dairy portfolio.

The project will introduce additional processing technology and manufacturing capabilities at the Toronto facility. The company also said the work is intended to raise productivity and provide greater flexibility across its dairy operations.

The expansion is the first major project under Gay Lea Foods’ approximately $450m Network for Growth strategy. The multi-year programme is designed to modernise and strengthen the co-operative’s manufacturing network in Canada.

Suzanna Dalrymple, Gay Lea Foods’ president and chief executive officer, said the investment showed the company’s confidence in the future of Canadian dairy. She said that future would be built on Canadian dairy farms and modern processing facilities able to respond to changing consumer preferences.

Construction at the Clayson Road facility is expected to finish in 2028. Gay Lea Foods said the expanded site is forecast to create up to 75 new jobs.