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Maple Leaf Foods has announced the closure of its Brantford, Ontario, Canada, plant and the consolidation of most of its further processed poultry production into its existing plant network by early 2025. The decision comes after the company determined that the 'facility would likely require significant ongoing investment to continue long-term operations'. Curtis Frank, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, said: "The decision to close any plant is one that we take very seriously. We are very proud of our team at Brantford and appreciate the great work they do each and every day." According to Maple Leaf Foods, the plant closure will occur gradually to ensure that business operations continue smoothly and customer needs are met. The company said it will collaborate with impacted team members, offering support and assistance during the transition, including exploring alternative opportunities within the company's other facilities. Frank added: "Consolidating production into our current network allows us to reallocate our resources and increase our efficiencies by further optimizing the existing, more modern facilities in our network. This supports our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth and our commitment to produce world-class products safely and efficiently as we support the growth of our protein business." By consolidating production, Maple Leaf Foods aims to leverage its network advantages and enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste and maximise asset utilisation. The company will collaborate with the Brantford community to explore alternative uses for the property.