Mississauga-based meat packaging giant Maple Leaf Foods Inc. announced on Monday (Nov. 26) that it will shutter its Brampton poultry plant and two other Ontario locations to consolidate its operations in London, Ont.

The company issued a news release informing workers and investors that it will open a new $660 million, 640,000 square-foot poultry plant in London, while closing its St. Marys factory by late 2021 and its Toronto and Brampton plants by mid-to-late 2022.

Maple Leaf’s Brampton poultry packaging plant is located at 73 Orenda Rd.

"We deeply regret the impact that these eventual closures will have on our people and communities," said CEO and president Michael H. McCain, in the release issued on Nov. 26.

"While these closures are several years away we are informing our people well in advance, allowing us to openly communicate and support them through this long-term transition. We will provide them with job opportunities at the new facility and other Maple Leaf plants, and services to help them eventually secure new employment," he added.

The company didn’t specify in the release how many workers would be affected by the Brampton changes, but indicated that the three plants chosen for closure are out of date and limiting the company’s growth opportunities.

“Each of these plants is 50 to 60 years old, with location, footprint and infrastructure constraints that limit opportunities to expand and modernize to meet growing market demand. Maple Leaf will work with local communities and government to find alternate uses for the facilities when they eventually close,” added the release.