The Ontario government has secured an $85 million manufacturing investment from Massilly North America Inc., a move it says will strengthen domestic supply chains, support hundreds of jobs and reduce reliance on imported food packaging materials amid ongoing global trade uncertainty.
The investment will see Massilly establish a new state-of-the-art production facility in Brantford focused on manufacturing steel food cans. According to the province, the project will sustain 228 existing positions and create 50 new manufacturing jobs, bringing total employment impacts to 278 roles tied to the expansion.
The new facility will introduce coil cutting and three-piece can production lines, allowing Massilly to source Canadian steel and complete more of the packaging process domestically. Provincial officials say the reshoring of these production lines represents a significant step toward reinforcing Ontario’s end-to-end manufacturing capacity in the food and beverage sector.
“Today’s investment is great news for workers and families in Brantford and across Ontario and will support good-paying jobs throughout our manufacturing supply chain,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to cut taxes and red tape to attract investment and create good-paying jobs as we build the strongest, most resilient and most competitive economy in all the G7.”
As part of the deal, Ontario is providing $5 million in financial support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), a program designed to help manufacturers adapt to trade disruptions, diversify markets and strengthen domestic production capabilities. The province launched the fund to support companies facing pressures from tariffs and other global trade challenges.
“Our government is continuing to introduce strategic initiatives, dedicated to ensuring Ontario workers and businesses are equipped with the tools they need to adapt in the face of external pressures,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the OTTF, we are proud to support Massilly in this next phase of growth and look forward to seeing their three-piece cans and steel coils solidify Ontario’s position as a manufacturing powerhouse.”
Massilly’s expansion is being positioned as a strategic investment in Ontario’s food supply chain, particularly as geopolitical volatility and trade disputes have exposed vulnerabilities in global sourcing. By producing food cans domestically using Canadian steel, the company will help ensure consumer goods sold across Canada rely less on imported packaging materials.
“This project is a testament to our belief in Canadian manufacturing,” said Garnet Lasby, President at Massilly North America. “By combining Canadian steel with our technical expertise, we are creating a ‘Made in Canada’ solution that benefits the environment, the economy and the consumer.”
Local and regional leaders also highlighted the investment’s impact on Brantford and southwestern Ontario. Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford—Brant, said the project aligns with broader provincial priorities around trade security and supply chain resilience.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund that provides financial support to help businesses’ near-term investments, Massilly Brantford can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and reshore critical supply chains. Ontario’s key economic priorities include trade diversity and trade security. I am most impressed with Massilly’s Brantford operation and I am pleased they will be a key part of South-West Ontario’s economic powerhouse. In Brantford-Brant, we grow the food that is also packaged in world-class materials for the world to enjoy,” Bouma said.
Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Minister Trevor Jones said the investment also supports Ontario’s agri-food strategy by strengthening links between food production and packaging within the province.
“This investment strengthens our local supply chain and boosts the production of food grown and made right here in Ontario, advancing the goals of our Grow Ontario Strategy. Ontario is home to one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing sectors in North America and Massilly’s investment underscores the confidence global companies have in our province’s agri-food sector,” Jones said.
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis called the announcement a vote of confidence in the city’s industrial base and workforce.
“Today’s announcement is a strong vote of confidence in Brantford’s manufacturing sector and in the skilled workforce of our community. Provincial support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund is helping Massilly North America expand its can-making operations, strengthen local supply chains and create new economic opportunities for our city. We are proud to partner with the Province of Ontario and Massilly as they continue to invest and grow right here in Brantford,” Davis said.
Since 2018, Ontario has attracted $213 billion in domestic and foreign investment and created more than one million jobs, according to the province. The government says continued support for advanced manufacturing will remain central as it works to offset the impacts of U.S. tariffs and encourage companies to anchor long-term operations in Ontario.
