Print

 

WOODSTOCK, Ontario, May 20, 2026 – Sunrise Farms (“Sunrise”) is investing $100.5 million to construct a new 155,000 square foot, state of the art poultry processing facility in Woodstock. This major expansion is expected to increase domestic processing capacity and strengthen the sovereignty of Ontario’s agri-food supply chain.

Invest Ontario is supporting the expansion with a grant of up to $4 million from the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive funding agreement. Invest Ontario has provided strategic support by helping the company navigate workforce planning and training programs, as well as by coordinating across municipal, provincial and federal governments. The investment is expected to create 100 new jobs in the region.

The new facility will be federally licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enabling expanded national distribution for its Sargent Farms branded halal certified products and strengthening the reliability of Ontario’s domestic food supply. The investment is also expected to increase procurement from Ontario farms, supporting rural economic growth and reinforcing Sunrise’s supply chain.

The Woodstock facility will be one of the most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in Canada, with leading-edge food safety, environmental, and animal welfare processes and technologies. This advanced facility will enable Sunrise to meet growing demand for its Sargent Farms branded products while ensuring safer, more productive and sustainable operations. Designed with sustainability in mind, the facility will also incorporate features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, aligning with Ontario’s environmental objectives and the sector’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient processing.

Ontario’s established strengths in agri-food processing and its ecosystem of innovation and technology, provide Sunrise with a competitive North American base for growth. The province offers access to major markets, reliable supply chains and strong rural and agricultural networks that help processors scale confidently. These advantages support Sunrise’s long-term plans to expand its private label and poultry offerings for retailers and food service customers across Canada.

“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government remains committed to fostering its resilient. 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.”

-        Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within 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."

- David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms

“Sunrise Farms’ expansion reflects the strength of Ontario’s agri‑food processing sector and the province’s commitment to supporting companies as they grow. By helping Sunrise navigate workforce planning, connect with partners and access government programs, Invest Ontario provided the support needed to move this expansion forward. We are pleased to support Sunrise as it grows its operations and contributes to Ontario’s food security and rural economic growth.”

- Khawar Nasim, CEO, Invest Ontario

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit InvestOntario.ca.