Ontario Welcomes $24 Million Investment in Agri-Food Manufacturing

December 2, 2025

Alinova’s new soymilk powder processing plant will create 15 good-paying jobs in Morrisburg and strengthen Ontario-made exports

December 02, 2025

Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

MORRISBURG — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of nearly $24 million by Alinova Canada Inc. to build Canada’s first non-GMO soymilk powder processing plant. The investment will create 15 good-paying jobs in Morrisburg and strengthen Ontario’s position in agri-food processing and innovation.

“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.”

A joint venture between Japan’s second-largest soymilk producer, Marusan Ai, and Ontario-based David J Hendrick International Inc., Alinova Canada’s new facility will use Ontario-grown soybeans to produce over 1,200 metric tonnes of soymilk powder per year. This investment will not only solidify and expand Ontario’s domestic processing capacity but also strengthen the province’s competitive advantage as a leading global supplier of soybeans and soymilk powder ingredients.

“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.”

In support of Alinova’s investment, Ontario is providing $1.5 million in funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) of the Regional Development Program (RDP). First launched in 2019, the RDP provides tailored supports to businesses and municipalities, helping them invest in the equipment, technologies and skilled workers they need to grow and remain competitive in a shifting economic landscape.

“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, 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.”

With U.S. tariffs impacting workers and businesses across key sectors, the Ontario government is protecting the province by lowering taxes, reducing red tape, and making strategic investments that will build Ontario into the most resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy in the G7. Since 2018, Ontario has attracted a historic $113 billion in foreign direct investments and created one million new jobs. Alinova’s investment is the second major investment announced by the government this week, totalling $262.4 million and up to 365 Ontario jobs.

Quick Facts

Through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund streams the government has announced investments of over $160 million in 131 companies. This has leveraged more than $1.8 billion in investments from industry, creating over 3,300 jobs.
Applications for the next intake round of the Regional Development Program close on February 3, 2026.
Ontario is home to 59 per cent of Canada’s soybean production. As global demand for soybean products rise, the province is strengthening its agri-food sector through strategic investments, including through the onshoring of processing capacity.
Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is one of the largest in North America, comprised of 4,675 businesses.
As part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is enhancing and expanding the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, providing an additional $1.3 billion over three years to help lower costs for businesses that invest in buildings, machinery and equipment that are used for manufacturing or processing in Ontario.

Quotes

“This investment will support local farmers through the use of Ontario-grown soybeans that will reach markets around the world. 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.”

– Trevor Jones
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

“Alinova Canada’s decision to invest in Morrisburg is tremendous news for the community. 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. 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. We are super proud to welcome Alinova to South Dundas and appreciate the Ontario government’s continued investment in our region’s growth.”

– Jason Broad
Mayor for the Municipality of South Dundas

“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. 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. We thank Minister Fedeli and the provincial government for their support and look forward to shining a light on this key industry.”

– David Hendrick
Executive Vice President, David J Hendrick International Inc.

Ontario Welcomes $24 Million Investment in Agri-Food Manufacturing

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