Gay Lea Foods invests US$200M to expand Toronto dairy facility

USA – Gay Lea Foods has invested more than US$200 million to significantly expand its Clayson Road dairy manufacturing facility in Toronto, as part of a move to increase production of cottage cheese and other high-protein dairy products.

The investment is the first major milestone in Gay Lea Foods’ approximately $450 million Network for Growth strategy, a multi-year programme focused on strengthening and modernising the co-operative’s Canadian manufacturing network.

According to the company, the additional capacity will help address the current national cottage cheese shortage while supporting growth across its wider dairy portfolio.

Suzanna Dalrymple, president and CEO of Gay Lea Foods, said: “This investment reflects our confidence in the future of Canadian dairy and in Gay Lea Foods’ role in helping shape it. The future will be built on Canadian dairy farms and in modern processing facilities equipped to respond to evolving consumer preferences.”

The Clayson Road project will introduce advanced processing technology and modern manufacturing capabilities designed to increase production capacity, improve productivity and provide greater operational flexibility.

Gay Lea Foods said the investment will enable it to respond more effectively to changing market requirements while creating opportunities for its farmer members and employees.

The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028 and is expected to create up to 75 new positions at the facility.

Founded in 1958, Gay Lea Foods produces dairy products and ingredients under brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Ivanhoe and Bothwell Cheese.

Gay Lea Foods shuffles board of directors

Recently, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (Gay Lea Foods) named Andrew Henderson as chair of its board of directors. 

Henderson, an eastern Ontario dairy farmer, succeeded Rob Goodwill, who will remain on the board executive committee as past chair for the next year.

Goodwill serves as board chair since 2018, the longest serving chair in the co-operative’s history. 

“I am honoured to assume this leadership position at an important moment in our co-operative’s history,” said Henderson in a press release. “Our business is strong, and growing, and entering an important period of capital re-investment to fuel the next generation of growth.”

During the annual executive committee election process, former board executive committee member DeeDee Bekkers was appointed as vice chair and director Jennifer Woodhouse was elected as executive member.

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