MORRISBURG, Ont. — Ontario’s agri-food sector is set for a significant boost as Alinova Canada Inc. invests nearly $24 million to build the country’s first non-GMO soymilk powder processing plant, a project expected to create 15 jobs and strengthen the province’s export capacity.
The provincial government announced the investment Monday, positioning it as a strategic move that will expand domestic processing capacity and reinforce Ontario’s reputation as a global supplier of soy-based ingredients.
“Alinova Canada’s investment is a vote of confidence in our province’s manufacturing capabilities and in our world-class workers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With their new Morrisburg facility, Alinova is onshoring key processing capacity from Japan for Ontario’s agri-food supply chain, creating good-paying jobs, and driving long-term economic growth in Eastern Ontario.”
Alinova is a joint venture between Japan’s second-largest soymilk producer, Marusan Ai, and Ontario-based David J Hendrick International Inc. The company plans to use Ontario-grown soybeans to produce more than 1,200 metric tonnes of soymilk powder annually for domestic and international markets — a move officials say will expand opportunities for local farmers.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, it is vital that Eastern Ontario continues to protect and build our homegrown agri-food workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. “Through the Regional Development Program, Morrisburg is proud to be home to Canada’s first soymilk powder processing plant, which will create good-paying jobs and strengthen our local economy for decades to come.”
To help advance the project, Ontario is providing $1.5 million through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF), part of the Regional Development Program (RDP). Established in 2019, the RDP supports manufacturing investments through funding for equipment, technology upgrades, and workforce development.
“For the past 20 years, our company has enjoyed a strong relationship with the non-GMO soybean growers of Eastern Ontario,” said Nobuyoshi Sakai, President of Marusan Ai. “We are now embarking on a partnership designed to manufacture a made-in-Ontario soybean ingredient product that will meet the protein needs of the global consumer and leave a legacy of economic growth in the Morrisburg community.”
Industry leaders say Ontario is a natural home for expanded soybean processing. The province grows 59 per cent of Canada’s soybean crop and supports one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing sectors in North America, with more than 4,600 businesses operating across the province.
“This investment will support local farmers through the use of Ontario-grown soybeans that will reach markets around the world,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Ontario is one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing regions in North America and our government will continue to make the strategic investments that ensure our province remains a leader in the sector.”
Local officials echoed that sentiment, calling the project a long-term win for the region. “Alinova Canada’s decision to invest in Morrisburg is tremendous news for the community,” said Jason Broad, Mayor of the Municipality of South Dundas. “With the support of provincial funding, this project brings new economic opportunities, high-quality jobs, and strengthens our position in Ontario’s agri-food sector.”
Broad added that the plant will generate new opportunities across the supply chain: “Not only will this facility export a made-in-Ontario product to global markets, but it will also create new opportunities for our local farmers and suppliers right here at home.”
Project leaders say the new plant will anchor sustained growth in the region’s food-processing capacity. “As project leader and Board Director of Alinova Canada, I look forward to advancing the food processing sector in Eastern Ontario in partnership with Marusan Ai,” said David Hendrick, Executive Vice President of David J Hendrick International Inc. “Through this project, it is our full intention to ensure that Alinova Canada offers every opportunity possible to skilled workers and soy growers in the area as well as the Morrisburg community at large.”
The announcement marks the second major investment revealed by the province this week, contributing to a combined $262.4 million in new commitments and up to 365 jobs. Ontario says it has attracted $113 billion in foreign direct investment since 2018.
The next intake round for the Regional Development Program closes February 3, 2026.
