SucroCan Sourcing LLC announced on Tuesday (Jan. 16, 2024) its plans to build Canada’s largest sugar refinery at the Port of Hamilton.
The growing integrated sugar refiner’s $135 million investment is expected to yield an annual refining capacity of 1 million metric tonnes at Pier 15.
“The sugar markets in both Canada and the United States are experiencing steady, long-term, sustainable growth, and Sucro is investing to supply these growing market demands,” said Jonathan Taylor, Founder and CEO of SucroCan Sourcing. “We have a loyal and growing customer base that benefits from the new competition we are bringing to the market.”
Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is the third largest in North America, with manufacturing revenues of more than $48 billion. The sector has more than 45,000 establishments in the province, employing over 104,800 people.
SucroCan’s 20-acre plant is scheduled to open in 2025.
Hamilton’s port is operated by the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA), which facilitates port and marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara. HOPA’s mandate is “to help build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities.” It oversees more than 1,400 acres and more than 160 tenant companies employing approximately 40,000 people.
“HOPA Ports is thrilled to be working with SucroCan to make this historic investment a reality,” said Ian Hamilton, HOPA President & CEO. “We worked closely with SucroCan to understand its location and logistics needs and those of its customers. The new refinery in the heart of southern Ontario’s food processing cluster has access to marine, rail and highway transportation options. The facility’s new capacity and reliability will give Ontario food processors the confidence to invest in their own operations. For us, this is a huge win: driving a resilient and efficient supply chain, growing the economy and creating jobs.”
Mayor Andrea Horwath said Tuesday she was proud that Hamilton was chosen for Canada’s largest sugar refinery.
“I look forward to working with SucroCan Sourcing and HOPA on this important new facility and ensuring this $135-million investment helps Hamilton continue to shine as the centre of Ontario’s vital food cluster,” said Horwath. “Hamilton is delighted to be the chosen location for the expansion of SucroCan. With this expansion, Hamilton will now host Canada’s largest sugar refinery.”
“This important industry employs more than 100,000 workers in Ontario. The impact of SucroCan’s new plant will be felt across the region and beyond. We thank SucroCan for their hard work and look forward to the creation of more jobs and strengthening economic growth.”
SucroCan first arrived in Hamilton in 2019 with its granular sugar refinery on Ferguson Ave. North, which will close once the new plant is up and running.
The company has established an extensive production, sales, and sourcing network throughout the continent, with two refining locations and an additional value-added processing facility in North America. SucroCan also has offices in Miami, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Cali, Guayaquil, and Port of Spain.
