Ontario Welcomes More Than $200 Million Investment by Chapman’s in Markdale
September 23, 2025
Expansion will create 200 new jobs and strengthen Ontario’s food manufacturing sector
September 19, 2025
Office of the Premier
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
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MARKDALE — The Ontario government is protecting workers and the economy by supporting an investment of over $200 million from Chapman’s, Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer, to expand its operations and build a new facility in Markdale. The upgraded facility will enable Chapman’s to increase production capacity, develop new products, meet growing domestic demand and expand into international markets while creating new jobs in the region.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Chapman’s latest investment in Ontario, which is a major vote of confidence in our province’s economy and workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re going to continue doing whatever it takes to protect workers by cutting red tape and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs.”
As the largest employer in Markdale, Chapman’s has more than 200 products made using exclusively Canadian milk and cream. The addition of multiple new production lines will see Chapman’s provincial workforce expand to over 1,000 employees, strengthening Ontario’s competitive advantage as a leader in agri-food products and advanced manufacturing.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario is proud to stand as a trusted partner for companies seeking a competitive business environment, highly skilled workforce and resilient economy in which to invest,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are thrilled to see Chapman’s expand their Canadian roots and deliver innovative, high-quality Ontario-made products to families here and around the world.”
Ontario’s agri-food sector supports one in nine jobs in the province and generates more than $51 billion in GDP. Chapman’s investment will include the construction of a new 175,000 square-foot production facility. To support the growth and diversification of the province’s food manufacturing sector, the government is investing $27 million in the project through the Invest Ontario Fund .
“This expansion comes at a critical time for Chapman’s. The competition from multinationals has only increased in recent years and this project will help us to establish a stronger competitive ground,” said Ashley Chapman, Chief Operating Officer, Chapman’s. “We are grateful for the province’s support, which has allowed us to build a bigger facility and support higher-paying jobs for our community.”
In the face of U.S. tariffs, Ontario is advancing projects that will strengthen the province’s critical industries and secure good jobs for workers, now and for generations to come.
Quick Facts
Accounting for approximately 830,000 workers in Ontario, the manufacturing sector is important to the province’s prosperity.
As part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government has launched or enhanced important initiatives to help manufacturers remain competitive, including the Advancing Ontario Made Manufacturing Plan , the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit , the Protect Ontario Financing Program , the Trade-Impacted Communities Program and the Ontario Together Trade Fund .
Through the Grow Ontario Strategy , the Ontario government is increasing the production of food grown and prepared in the province by 30 per cent by 2032.
Since its inception, Invest Ontario has announced over $7.6 billion in investments, leading to the creation of more than 9,700 good-paying jobs.
Quotes
"Ontario’s agri-food sector is a true powerhouse, supporting jobs across our province. Chapman’s expansion here in Markdale means more good jobs, a stronger local economy, and even more of Ontario’s high-quality food products reaching families at home and trading partners around the world."
– Trevor Jones
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
"Chapman’s is a household name in Canada and an Ontario success story. Through this expansion, they are reinforcing their roots at home while opening doors to the world market. We’re proud to support this Ontario business that will create opportunities for Ontarians and strengthen the province’s supply chain resilience."
– Khawar Nasim
CEO, Invest Ontario
"Canadians love Chapman’s Ice Cream and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound is proud to produce it Time and time again, the Chapman family has stepped up for our region. I am glad that today their province can step up for them. I am pleased to welcome today’s investment, and all it will mean for this great local business, its employees and the community of Markdale."
– Paul Vickers
MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
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