Chapman’s $200M Expansion in Markdale Boosts Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector with 200 Jobs
MARKDALE — Ontario is welcoming a major investment from Chapman’s Ice Cream that will create 200 jobs, expand production, and strengthen the province’s food manufacturing sector.
Canada’s largest independent ice cream producer is investing more than $200 million to expand its Markdale operations, including the construction of a new 175,000-square-foot facility. The expansion will introduce multiple new production lines, allowing Chapman’s to increase its product range, scale up production, and meet growing demand at home and abroad.
Strengthening Ontario’s Workforce
The new facility will boost Chapman’s provincial workforce to over 1,000 employees, further solidifying its role as the largest employer in Markdale. Premier Doug Ford called the investment a strong endorsement of Ontario’s workforce and economy.
“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 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.”
Ashley Chapman, Chief Operating Officer of Chapman’s, emphasized that the expansion will help the company remain competitive in an industry dominated by multinational corporations. “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,” he said.
Great news for Ontario workers, dairy farmers and ice-cream lovers!
This afternoon, I was in Markdale to celebrate Chapman’s $200 million investment to expand their production facility and add another local 200 jobs.
Find out more: https://t.co/kS14tVRwSs pic.twitter.com/9O6Q5MSNf8
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 19, 2025
Government Partnership
To support the project, the province is investing $27 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, designed to strengthen high-value industries across the province. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the expansion highlights Ontario’s role as a hub for advanced agri-food 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 Fedeli. “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.”
Expanding Agri-Food Leadership
Chapman’s currently produces more than 200 products using exclusively Canadian milk and cream. With the addition of new production lines, the company is preparing to develop innovative product offerings while also growing export potential.
Ontario’s agri-food sector already contributes more than $51 billion in GDP and supports one in nine jobs across the province. Chapman’s expansion adds momentum to this growth by positioning Ontario as a leading exporter of value-added agri-food products.
Economic Impact in the Face of Tariffs
The expansion also comes as Ontario works to protect key industries from the impact of U.S. tariffs. By investing in domestic food production and processing, the province aims to safeguard jobs, secure local supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign competitors.
For the people of Markdale, the investment represents more than just jobs — it reinforces community stability. As one of the largest employers in Grey County, Chapman’s has long been central to the region’s economic identity, and the new facility will ensure its growth for generations to come.
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