Massilly North America announced it will invest $85-million to establish a new state-of-the-art facility that will produce metal cans for food packaging at a news conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The investment will sustain 228 existing jobs at Massilly’s Elgin Street facility and create 50 new jobs, while simultaneously removing Ontario’s reliance on imported steel packaging.
By expanding its operations to include coil cutting and three-piece can production lines, Massilly will be able to supply consumer goods manufacturers across Canada using Canadian steel. Officials say the move is expected to bolster Ontario’s end-to-end supply chain and ensure the province’s key industries are self-reliant and resilient in the face of geopolitical volatility.
“This project is a major milestone for our company and for the Canadian agri-food industry. It is a made in Canada solution. We’re using high-quality Canadian steel to make packaging for high quality Canadian agricultural products,” said Garnet Lasby, president of Massilly North America. “This ensures the food on Canadian grocery shelves is supported by Canadian industry from start to finish. We’re also looking to the future of our planet. Metal packaging is infinitely recyclable, making it the most sustainable way to preserve food and reduce waste. By manufacturing locally with Canadian steel, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with moving material and transporting empty packaging across long distances. This is a win for the environment, it’s a win for the economy and most importantly, it’s a win for the Canadian consumer.”
Joining Lasby at the event were Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis, Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma, and Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job creation and Trade.
As part of the announcement, Ford said the province will be backing the expansion with a $5-million investment of its own.
“Our government is pleased to support this expansion with a $5-million investment through our Ontario Together Trade Fund, which is part of our nearly $30-billion tariff relief plan to protect Ontario’s economy by helping businesses build capacity, expand into new markets and bring production back to Ontario,” he said. “As the cost of tariffs impact families and businesses, it’s never been more important to bring manufacturers like those in the food and beverage production back home, support our local farmers, support our local growers, and keep essential industries where they belong–in Ontario. Today’s investment is a game changer, not just for Brantford workers and families, but across Ontario’s manufacturing supply chain, which employs 830,000 people to support companies like Massilly.”
Davis went to thank both Massilly and the province for its contributions, noting they were more than just an investment in machinery and infrastructure.
“It’s a vote of confidence in jobs, innovation and economic resilience, right here in Brantford. Massilly is a great example of what modern manufacturing looks like in our city; forward looking, export driven and deeply rooted in the local community,” he said. “Massilly is demonstrating the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities within our domestic supply chain. That adaptability strengthens both our economy and the broader provincial economy, and we’re proud to be here to help Massilly grow, compete locally and continue to adapt in a changing, trade environment, while creating and sustaining good paying jobs.”
During the announcement, Fedeli said the investment was a testament to what it means to work together, and credited Bouma for connecting the province with Massilly.
“This announcement is a testament to what can be achieved when industry and local leadership come together with a shared ambition for growth, resilience and success. To MPP Bouma, we thank you for being a steadfast advocate for Brantford’s business community and, quite frankly, for first introducing us to Massilly,” he said. “And to the entire Massilly team here in Canada and in France, we thank you for choosing Ontario as an extension for your family in these uncertain times, we could not be more excited to see steel can production expanding across Ontario.”
Massilly North America, the Canadian subsidiary of the Massilly Group (established back in 1911 in France), was first established in Mississauga in 1996 to service the food industry and since then, has become one of the premier global manufacturers of metal closures and twist caps for food jars. The company relocated to Brantford in 2012.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
