Ontario’s agri‑food sector is set for another major boost as Sunrise Farms announced an investment of more than $100 million to build a state‑of‑the‑art poultry processing facility in Woodstock.
The expansion—described as the largest greenfield project in the company’s history—will create 100 new jobs in Oxford County while supporting 248 existing positions across the province.
The family‑owned Canadian company said the new 155,000‑square‑foot facility will significantly increase its processing capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and expand procurement from Ontario farms.
Sunrise Farms was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Surrey, British Columbia. With approximately 3,600 employees across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, the company operates a network of integrated poultry processing, further‑processing and distribution facilities serving retailers, foodservice operators and consumers nationwide. Sunrise Farms is also the parent company behind the Sargent Farms brand, known for its halal‑certified poultry products.
“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government is fostering its long-term competitiveness and resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As demand for Ontario-made products rises, Sunrise Farms’ investment will add critical processing capacity to our domestic supply chain, creating new opportunities for Ontario workers, farmers and suppliers.”
The new facility will incorporate advanced processing technologies and maintain high food‑safety and environmental standards. Once operational, it will also position the company to expand distribution of its Sargent Farms halal products across Canada, pending federal licensing from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Trevor Jones, Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, highlighted the broader economic impact of the project. “Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, generating $52 billion in GDP and employing one in nine people across the province,” he said. “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.”
To support the expansion, the province is providing up to $4 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.
David Shoore, Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Farms said the project reflects both rising demand and the company’s long‑term commitment to Ontario. “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.”
Local leaders also welcomed the announcement.
“Today’s announcement is a major endorsement of Oxford, our local workforce, and Ontario’s agri-food sector,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. “Sunrise Farms’ investment will help create new jobs, strengthen our local economy, and support long-term growth in food processing and agriculture right here in our community.”
Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione called the project a strong fit for the region. “Their significant investment shows the advantages our city offers and will bring new jobs, strengthen our economy, and support the farmers who are the backbone of our region,” he said. “It’s a perfect fit for Woodstock and a powerful example of our rural and urban strengths working together to help feed Canada.”
Invest Ontario Chief Executive Officer Khawar Nasim noted the agency’s role in supporting the expansion. “By helping Sunrise navigate workforce planning, connect with partners and access government programs, Invest Ontario provided the support needed to move this expansion forward,” he said.
The province said the investment aligns with its broader strategy to attract agri‑food manufacturing, noting that Ontario secured more than $1.3 billion in agri‑food investments in 2025 alone.
For more information about the company, visit www.sunrisefarms.ca.