Nestle Canada has announced a multi-million dollar expansion that will create dozens of new full-time jobs at its London ice cream plant.
The company that produces frozen treats such as Haagen-Dazs, Parlour, and Drumstick ice cream cones said Friday it's spending $51.5-million on a 9,000 sq ft addition that will boost production capabilities at the Wilton Grove Rd. factory.
“We are really proud to be a part of the London community and excited to be making this significant investment,” Nestle Business Executive Officer Jayne Payette said in a statement. “Our employees work hard every day to bring these great Made In Canada brands to our consumers and this investment allows us to bring even more exciting and innovative products to market.”
The expansion will see 12 new jobs added and 45 seasonal part-time jobs transition to full-time positions. The plant currently employs roughly 750 people during peak season.
The province kicked in $390,000 from the South Western Ontario Development Fund toward enhanced cleaning technology for each individual production line, a step the company said was essential to the success of the expansion.
“We are pleased to support Nestlé’s significant investment in southwestern Ontario’s food processing and dairy sector,” said Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal. “Our support for Nestlé Canada through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is helping create good jobs and economic opportunities for workers, dairy farmers and communities throughout the London area.”
Nestlé Canada is one of the largest purchasers of Canadian dairy. The London facility was built 52 years ago and ice cream products manufactured there are distributed across Canada.
Construction of the new addition has already begun and is expected to be completed by year's end.
