Ontario Welcomes Nearly $50 Million Manufacturing Investment in Mississauga
August 19, 2024
First Choice Beverage Inc.’s expansion will create good-paying jobs for Ontario workers
The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of almost $50 million by First Choice Beverage Inc., a Canadian producer of juice and dairy alternative products. This investment will boost the company’s manufacturing capacity and create 20 new, good-paying jobs in Mississauga, in addition to helping secure 100 existing jobs at the facility.
“Mississauga has a long history of manufacturing excellence, and thanks to the Regional Development Program, our government is fostering the right conditions for manufacturers to expand their operations and create more good-paying jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are proud to support the growth of local businesses like First Choice Beverage Inc. and thank them for strengthening their presence in Ontario.”
With its investment, the company will acquire new equipment for their state-of-the-art facility in Mississauga, including robotics and automation features, to meet growing consumer demand.
In support of this investment, Ontario is providing First Choice Beverage Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Li Holdings, with $5 million in funding through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP).
“As health and wellness concerns rise globally, our multimillion-dollar investment in a cutting-edge, high-tech and environmentally sensitive production facility will position Ontario as a global leader in the $200 billion USD non-carbonated beverage market,” said John G. Spiteri, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Lee Li Holdings. “This market includes juices, iced teas, sports drinks, water, dairy, dairy alternatives and much more. Non-carbonated, thirst-quenching and nutritious beverages are staples in most refrigerators, pantries, and shelves across the country, with many familiar brands that Ontarians enjoy every day. This includes dairy produced right here in Ontario, which will also be exported throughout the Midwest and the entire Eastern Seaboard of the USA.”
Ontario is investing $170 million through its RDP to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.8 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,300 jobs.
Applications for the next intake round of RDP funding remain open until September 26, 2024.
Quick Facts
- The government launched the Regional Development Program for eastern and southwestern Ontario in November 2019. Through this program, businesses and municipalities can get financial support and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
- In 2022, the Advanced Manufacturing and Competitiveness stream of the RDP was launched to support advanced manufacturers across the province. Ontario is now providing additional funds to enhance the AMIC stream by providing more firms with the financial support and tools needed to improve competitiveness, while strengthening essential supply chains.
- As part of the 2023 Ontario Budget, the government introduced the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which provides a 10 per cent refundable Corporate Income Tax credit to help local manufacturers lower their costs, invest in workers, innovate and become more competitive.
Quotes
“Manufacturing is the heart of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and supporting communities across the province. I’m proud of our government for working alongside local facilities like First Choice Beverage Inc. to support their project to enhance in-house manufacturing with cutting-edge technology, creating better jobs and helping to meet the growing demand for Ontario-made juices and dairy alternative beverages in Canada.”
– Deepak Anand
MPP, Mississauga—Malton
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