Ontario’s agri-food sector is set for a significant boost as Alinova Canada Inc. invests nearly $24 million to build the country’s first non-GMO soymilk powder processing plant, a project expected to create 15 jobs and strengthen the province’s export capacity.
The provincial government announced the investment Monday, positioning it as a strategic move that will expand domestic processing capacity and reinforce Ontario’s reputation as a global supplier of soy-based ingredients.
“Alinova Canada’s investment is a vote of confidence in our province’s manufacturing capabilities and in our world-class workers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With their new Morrisburg facility, Alinova is onshoring key processing capacity from Japan for Ontario’s agri-food supply chain, creating good-paying jobs, and driving long-term economic growth in Eastern Ontario.”
Alinova is a joint venture between Japan’s second-largest soymilk producer, Marusan Ai, and Ontario-based David J Hendrick International Inc. The company plans to use Ontario-grown soybeans to produce more than 1,200 metric tonnes of soymilk powder annually for domestic and international markets — a move officials say will expand opportunities for local farmers.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, it is vital that Eastern Ontario continues to protect and build our homegrown agri-food workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. “Through the Regional Development Program, Morrisburg is proud to be home to Canada’s first soymilk powder processing plant, which will create good-paying jobs and strengthen our local economy for decades to come.”
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