Beverage manufacturing plant in Mississauga to expand

A trio of beverage companies under Ontario-based Lee Li Holdings plans to invest more than $533 million to expand manufacturing in Mississauga, a move the province says will create 275 new jobs and boost the agri-processing supply chain.

The proposed investment by First Choice Beverage Inc., Global Beverage and Logistics Centre Inc. and Imperial Chilled Juice Inc. would add more than 100,000 square feet of high-tech manufacturing capacity and deliver co-manufacturing and warehousing services for multinational brands and local retailers.

As demand for healthy, non-carbonated beverages grows, the companies say the expansion would accelerate production of Ontario-made drinks including juices, teas, sports drinks and water products for Canadian and North American consumers.

“As consumers choose health-forward beverages and wellness concerns increase globally, our over half-billion-dollar investment in advanced manufacturing will ensure this great province is a global manufacturing and technology leader in the over US$200 billion non-carbonated beverage market, which includes juices, iced teas, sports drinks, water and much more,” said John G. Spiteri, executive vice-president and chief administrative officer of First Choice Beverage Inc.

The project includes an expanded plant and a new facility featuring AI-enabled production, automated warehousing and sustainable practices aimed at reducing energy use, wastewater and plastic waste by more than 30 per cent.

“Ontario has the best workers in the world, and we’re proud to support this state-of-the-art expansion that will create 275 good-paying jobs in Mississauga and strengthen our province’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing,” Premier Doug Ford said.

The new facility would manufacture plastic bottles for beverages such as tea, coffee, sparkling water and flavoured water, and introduce a white-label line using locally sourced ingredients. The expanded site would continue co-packing juices and dairy-alternative products in gable-top cartons.

“Amid unprecedented global economic uncertainty, Ontario remains focused on strengthening domestic supply chains to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli. “Lee Li’s expansion will ensure that more Ontario-made products are bottled and packed right here at home, creating good-paying jobs for families in Mississauga and significant downstream benefits for companies across the agri-food sector.”

The plan also calls for sourcing apple and grape juice from Ontario to support farms, agri-processors and logistics providers.

Invest Ontario says the proposal, which is subject to a definitive agreement, would be backed by a loan of up to $90 million from the Invest Ontario Fund.

“This investment will be a remarkable win for Ontario as Lee Li deepens its commitment to the province after four decades of continued growth,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.