Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Tomato plant will cease operations in 2014

Thursday, November 14, 2013

by SUSAN MANN

Canada’s largest food processing plant will close its door for good in mid-2014.

H.J. Heinz Company of Canada LP identified the target for closing its Leamington plant in a letter dated today and addressed to employees.

The plant will be closed in a staged process over the next six to eight months and production will shift to other factories in the United States and Canada, the letter says.

“We recognize this announcement is difficult to hear,” it says. “We want you to know this decision was not made in haste and numerous alternatives and options were explored before taking this action.”

The company is closing the 104-year-old plant primarily because of excess capacity in “our North American manufacturing system.” In addition to the Leamington plant, Heinz also announced it is closing two manufacturing facilities in the United States.

The Leamington plant is the second largest Heinz plant in the world and has been operating for 104 years. It employs 750 unionized workers, 150 salaried staff and 340 to 360 seasonal staff. It mainly supplies the Canadian market but also ships some products to the United States.From 2008 to 2012, Ontario annually grew an average of 13,377 acres of processing tomatoes with an annual farm gate value of about $54.5 million. Most of Ontario’s tomato production takes place in Essex County and Chatham-Kent. Growers there estimate about half of their annual production goes to the Heinz plant.

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, says in a prepared statement he is disappointed with Heinz’s decision to close its Leamington operations. “The agri-food industry has made a significant contribution to Heinz over the years.”

“Our government will be there to support affected workers in this difficult time,” he says. “The Ontario government is ready and willing to offer support and resources to affected workers. I will also ensure that Leamington and the surrounding area are taking full advantage of regional economic development programs and other provincial supports.”

In its nine-paragraph letter, Heinz says it was informing employees now “out of respect” for them and to give them as much time as possible to make decisions that are right for themselves and their families. The company says it will be offering severance packages to assist employees in pursing new job opportunities. BF
 

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades

Friday, July 11, 2025

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online

Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola

Thursday, July 10, 2025

As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online

Ontario crops respond to summer heat

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top