The Ontario government has welcomed a $533 million investment from Lee Li Holdings Inc. to expand its existing operations and build a new, state-of-the-art bottling and packing facility in Mississauga. The project will create 275 well-paying jobs and strengthen Ontario’s position in the agri-food manufacturing sector by establishing an end-to-end supply chain for food and beverage production. The expansion includes a 15,000-square-foot enlargement of the current plant and the construction of an 85,000-square-foot new facility, serving as a North American hub for plastic bottle manufacturing for tea, coffee, sparkling water, and flavored water.
Premier Doug Ford highlighted that the investment reflects Ontario’s skilled workforce and reinforces the province’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. The government continues to focus on lowering taxes and cutting red tape to protect workers and businesses while boosting the economy’s resilience and global competitiveness. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, emphasized that the expansion will support domestic supply chains, creating jobs and benefits across the agri-food sector.
Lee Li Holdings is also developing a new white label line for brands using locally sourced ingredients, fostering economic opportunities for agri-food businesses throughout Ontario. The Ontario government is supporting the investment with $90 million from the Invest Ontario Fund. John G. Spiteri, Executive VP and CAO of First Choice Beverage Inc., said the project positions Ontario as a leader in the global non-carbonated beverage market, with a focus on environmentally sensitive, high-tech production and low-sugar beverage innovation.
The investment comes amid U.S. tariffs affecting Canadian businesses, with Ontario responding through strategic support to maintain competitiveness and resilience. Since 2018, the province has attracted $113 billion in foreign direct investment, creating one million jobs. Lee Li’s project is the fourth major investment announced in the week, totaling $933 million and 710 new jobs, further reinforcing Ontario’s strength in food and beverage manufacturing.
Ontario’s agri-food and manufacturing sectors collectively employ over 1.6 million workers and contribute more than $143 billion annually to GDP. Established in 1984, Lee Li has grown from a Toronto-based food distribution business into a diversified enterprise with more than 400 employees worldwide. The Invest Ontario Fund, now totaling $1.3 billion, has supported over $11.4 billion in investments, creating more than 10,500 jobs in the province.
Government and industry leaders highlighted the significance of the investment. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, noted that it demonstrates confidence in Ontario’s agri-food sector, driving innovation and job creation. Local officials, including the Mississauga mayor and MPPs, praised the project for strengthening local employment, food security, and manufacturing capacity while providing long-term economic benefits to the community.
