Leclerc Foods to Bring Jobs & Economic Development to Brockville
The plant purchase will bring a conservative estimate of 100 new jobs to the region and an investment of 100 million dollars in the site over the next five years.
Leclerc Foods, the makers of the well-known Célébration cookies and more, recently announced their purchase of the Brockville’s former Procter & Gamble plant. This much-anticipated acquisition will bring waves of jobs, new partnerships, and economic development to the region.
In 2017, P&G announced the closing of their Brockville production plant, which was a significant hit to the region and its 480 employees. It became a top priority to find a new tenant for the prime production site, but the new owners were worth the wait: the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Commission (SLCEDC) is thrilled with the purchase, and the fact that the site will be making delectable goodies? Just the cherry on top.
About Leclerc Foods
Leclerc Foods is a family-owned company that’s been in operation since 1905. The company, headquartered in Quebec, is much loved for their crackers, cookies, and bars, and is expanding rapidly throughout North America. The Brockville plant acquisition adds to their eight other manufacturing facilities across Canada and the US.
The company is in expansion-mode with many projects planned for their new location. Production is targeted to begin in July and ramp up to full capacity by January 2023. Leclerc is planning to start production of granola bars in their first line at the new Brockville plant, strategically anticipating the higher demand for on-the-go snacks as the pandemic restrictions ease and routines start to go back to normal.
After that, Leclerc has a three-year plan to set up line after line in the plant, based on what will be most in demand. The company has training plans ready to go and will be looking to hire full-time, specialized workers in the near future, bringing many jobs to the area.
Influx of Jobs
In fact, the plant purchase will bring a conservative estimate of 100 new jobs to the region, although the company’s president, Denis Leclerc, believes it will be even more. Leclerc will also invest over 100 million dollars in the site over the next five years, bolstered by a 1.5 million dollar of support from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and the Government of Ontario.
“We have developed an excellent business relationship with the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission and we are proud to benefit from their competence and expertise,” said Denis Leclerc, President of Leclerc Foods.
“We are confident that this partnership will continue to be an asset that will facilitate our arrival in Brockville and ensure the success of our project.”
Learn more about the Leclerc-Brockville deal here.
Businesses Supporting Businesses
But jobs aren’t all that the acquisition brings. Leclerc’s arrival in the area is good news for other businesses, including the nearby Burnbrae Farms, who will be Leclerc’s egg supplier. The boost to the local economy is a welcome relief after the back-to-back hits of the P&G plant closure and the pandemic.
SLCEDC’s Support
The acquisition was highly anticipated, but was hard won. It took a village, and the SLCEDC played a significant part. By laying the groundwork for the purchase and gathering local support, the SLCEDC was able to position the plant as the clear choice for a company of Leclerc’s size and renown. The economic and employment boost to the region is a testament to the work that the SLCEDC is doing and the result of strong regional partnerships.
“As a founding member of the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission and as someone who worked with our team on this exciting project, I am thrilled to welcome Leclerc to our communities,” says Prescott mayor and SLCEDC board member Brett Todd. “Being able to attract such an iconic, family-owned Canadian company shows the importance of working jointly. We succeed when we work together.”
The region looks forward to welcoming Leclerc and supporting its growth over the coming years.