- Hamilton’s growing agri-food cluster now represents 31% of the Port’s overall cargo and supports 105,000 jobs across Ontario.
- Expansion solidifies P&H as the largest single-user of Ontario-grown wheat, supporting the $48 billion food processing sector in Ontario.
- Expansion enhances the resilience of Ontario’s agri-food supply chain, enabling more efficient processing and distribution of essential ingredients while supporting local farmers and food manufacturers.
Hamilton, ON – December 17, 2024 – Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) welcomed industry and community partners to celebrate the progress of the flour mill expansion at the Port of Hamilton. This milestone not only marks continued growth but also underscores Hamilton’s role as a vital hub for the agri-food sector, driven by a steadfast commitment to building a resilient global supply chain.
The expansion, which will be completed late 2025, includes two new storage silos (for handling essential feed ingredients such as soymeal, distillers dried grains, and wheat to service the flour mills) and a third flour mill, solidifying P&H’s standing as a leading flour producer in Ontario.
“This expansion reflects the strength of the agri-food cluster in Hamilton and reinforces the importance of building a resilient supply chain for Ontario farmers and food manufacturers,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports. “The continued growth of companies like P&H demonstrates the value of collaboration and strategic investment in transportation and industrial infrastructure.”
P&H’s operations at the Port of Hamilton began in 2008 with the grain terminal and in 2017 with the opening of Ontario’s first new flour mill in 75 years. By 2020, the addition of a second mill doubled its processing capacity. Now, with a third mill under construction, P&H continues to meet the rising demand for quality ingredients in the baking and food manufacturing industries.
“The expansion of our Hamilton operations reflects P&H’s unwavering commitment to supporting Canada and Ontario’s food security,” said John Heimbecker, CEO at Parrish & Heimbecker. “With this new flour mill and expanded storage capacity, we’re not only increasing our ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality ingredients, but also ensuring a more efficient supply chain for our valued agricultural and business partners.”
The agri-food sector is now a cornerstone of Hamilton’s economy, representing 31% of HOPA’s overall cargo. With more than 120 food ingredient companies in the city, the sector supports more than 100,000 jobs across the province.
“HOPA’s integrated network is essential to driving economic growth and supporting key industries like agri-food,” continued Hamilton. “With 16 companies at the Port of Hamilton active in this sector, we’re helping businesses invest and grow in Ontario while strengthening supply networks that benefit our region.”
About HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority)
As an integrated port network, HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority) offers port and marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara. An efficient, multimodal network on the Great Lakes, it supports Ontario industries and facilitate trade. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, HOPA helps build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. Overseeing more than 1,400 acres and more than 160 tenant companies, 40,000 Ontario jobs are connected to the cargo that passes through HOPA’s integrated ports.
About Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) is a Canadian, family-owned agri-business, with roots in the agriculture industry dating back to 1909. P&H is growth-oriented, diversified, and vertically integrated with operations including grain merchandising, flour milling, as well as crop inputs and feed mills. With over 70 locations from coast to coast, and trade links around the globe, P&H leverages its well-established network of assets, strong business relationships with customers and suppliers and ongoing infrastructure development to support Canadian agricultural producers.
About P&H Milling Group
P&H Milling Group, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, is a leading Canadian agribusiness that specializes in flour milling and pea processing. Committed to quality and sustainability, P&H Milling Group plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian agriculture and meeting the demands of the growing food industry.
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For more information, please contact:
Kelly Noseworthy
Communications Advisor, HOPA Ports
[email protected]
Monika Robertson
Corporate Marketing Manager
Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
[email protected]
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