Hamilton’s fast growing food processing industry got another boost Thursday when Bartek Ingredients, in Stoney Creek, the global leader in food additives such as malic and fumaric acids, held a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of its new state-of-the-art production facility. Once complete, the facility will be the world’s largest and most technologically advanced malic and food- grade fumaric acid production plant.

The $175 million facility will double Bartek’s capacity and provide advanced production capabilities allowing the Company and the Province of Ontario to remain the global market leader in these vital products, and to accelerate product and process innovation efforts. The new facility will be the most environmentally sustainable plant in the industry and is projected to reduce per unit GHG emissions by more than 80 per cent. In addition, Bartek will lead its competitors in the application of advanced manufacturing principles, enabling continuous improvement and process innovation.

“We are thrilled to be breaking ground on our new state-of-the-art facility which will set a new global benchmark for safety, efficiency, and environmental performance,” said John Burrows, President and CEO, Bartek Ingredients. “We are pleased to be investing in the community of Stoney Creek, and proud to play an integral part in supporting local industries and the local economy. We are thankful for our partnerships with the provincial and federal government and Environment Hamilton and their support and guidance throughout the process.”

Construction of the facility will inject $100 million into the local economy and will be a growth generator for decades to come – supporting meaningful jobs in Stoney Creek and providing training in the job skills of the future for employees.

WSP Global, a globally renowned engineering consulting firm, is leading construction and design for the project. The facility is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2024.

Hamilton’s growing agri-food sector

The announcement was attended by Economic Development Minister Vic Fidelli, Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson, Environment Minister David Piccini and local Cabinet Minister Neil Lumsden, who earlier had attended an agri-food announcement at Bimbo Bakeries. Hamilton is home to over 120 food and beverage manufacturers and over 9,500 skilled workers across the agribussiness and food processing supply chain and has experienced a 35 percent growth in jobs in the last 10 years.