Wonderbrands Innovation Business Park to ‘Rise’ in Pickering

The City of Pickering and Province of Ontario have recently completed the sale of 151 acres of provincial lands in Pickering’s Innovation Corridor to FGF Brands, for the development of a high-tech, food manufacturing campus, which will be known as the Wonderbrands Innovation Business Park.

In addition, Council recently approved FGF Brands’ (Caplink Limited) draft plan of subdivision application and zoning by-law amendment application to permit the food manufacturing campus. The first phase of development will consist of three manufacturing plants and a distribution centre, with an overall gross floor area of over 1,000,000 square feet and the creation of 1,000 new jobs, with another 2,000 jobs coming in the second phase. Once full build-out is complete, the business park will be the largest food manufacturing campus in the GTA, as well as one of the largest employers in Pickering with its 3,000 new jobs.

FGF Brands is the largest producer of fresh breads, rolls, croissants, fully baked muffins, and sweet goods, in North America, and has become a global leader by replacing low tech equipment with robotics, integrated AI systems, machine learning, and supply chain innovations.  Some of its brands include Wonder Bread, D’italiano, Country Harvest, Stonefire, ACE, and Casa Mendosa.

FGF Brands’ acquisition represents the largest transaction to date on the Seaton employment lands owned by the Province through the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI). The Seaton employment lands is a dedicated area of more than 800 acres of prestige employment land, ready to support the development and creation of high-tech industries and jobs. Infrastructure Ontario (IO) completed the transaction on MOI’s behalf.  The community of Seaton will eventually have a population of 70,000 residents, with approximately 35,000 jobs, offering a range of housing types, employment lands, and land densities.

Quotes:

“We are thrilled to announce this landmark investment, and applaud MOI, IO and FGF Brands for their efforts in realizing our shared vision. This is truly an exciting time for our city as this deal represents just one of many that will bring jobs, prestige, and economic strength to Pickering. We are committed to investing in partnerships and economic development initiatives that will attract as many jobs as possible for our residents now and into the future, and that is why we’ve been aggressively marketing our Innovation Corridor as a prime opportunity for research and innovation. Pickering’s superior logistics have made the available prime development land within the City even more desirable. Its transportation options include Highways 401, 407 and 7; CN Rail, CP Rail, GO Transit and Durham Region Transit, and three airports all within an hour’s drive. 

- Mayor Kevin Ashe
  City of Pickering

"This is a historic announcement for the people of Pickering. This land transaction represents the largest sale of the provincial Seaton employment lands to date. This milestone means that FGF Brands will become one of the largest employers in Pickering. Our government will continue to be proactive with surplus properties province-wide to advance provincial priorities.”

-  The Honourable Kinga Surma
    Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“We are thankful for the support we have received from the City of Pickering, and share in the excitement to help build a next generation, high tech manufacturing campus in Pickering that will not only create jobs of the future for the community, but will also help bring another level of growth for the entire community”.

-  Ojus Ajmera, Co-Founder & Head, Sales & Marketing
   FGF Brands

Please see a video of Mayor Ashe’s recent tour of the FGF Brands’ Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility to get a sneak peak of what’s coming to Pickering:  https://youtu.be/acgZ0X1Ughs

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 99,200) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.