Ontario Welcomes $533 Million Investment in Agri-food Manufacturing

MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of over $533 million from Lee Li Holdings Inc. to upgrade and expand its existing facility and establish a new state-of-the-art bottling and packing facility in Mississauga. The investment will create 275 good-paying jobs and strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage in the agri-food industry by building an end-to-end supply chain in food and beverage manufacturing.

“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,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By continuing to lower taxes and cut red tape, we’re protecting workers and businesses while building the strongest, most resilient and competitive economy in the G7.”

With this investment, Lee Li will expand its current plant by 15,000 square feet and construct a new, state-of-the-art 85,000-square-foot facility. The new North American hub will focus on plastic bottle manufacturing for in-demand products like tea, coffee, sparkling water and flavoured water, ensuring more beverages that are sold across Canada and North America are made, filled and packaged in Ontario.

“Amid unprecedented global economic uncertainty, Ontario remains focused on strengthening domestic supply chains to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “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.”

As companies across North America work to secure reliable supply chains, Ontario’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and world-class workforce have positioned the province as a natural jurisdiction for companies like Lee Li to expand operations. As part of this investment, Lee Li is also developing a new white label line for brands that are dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients, creating new economic opportunities across agri-food businesses across Ontario. In support of this landmark investment, Ontario is providing $90 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.

“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 VP and CAO, First Choice Beverage Inc. “This new, cutting-edge, high-tech, environmentally sensitive production facility, with a multimillion-dollar investment in advanced manufacturing technology, will catapult Ontario into a leader in the rising global consumer market for low-sugar soft drinks. We are further accelerating consumer choice and global market growth with our Ready-to-Drink beverages, which can replace solid food.”

At a time when U.S. tariffs are taking direct aim at Canadian workers and businesses, the Ontario government is protecting the province by lowering taxes and red tape, building the most resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy in the G7. Since 2018, Ontario has attracted a historic $113 billion in foreign direct investments and created one million new jobs. Lee Li’s investment is the fourth major project announced by the government this week, totalling $933 million and up to 710 Ontario jobs.