Making London a Little Bit Sweeter

Ontario is helping Natra set up a chocolate manufacturing facility in London that will create 56 new jobs in the community. 

Support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund will help Natra expand to Ontario to meet growing demand from the North American market. Currently, the company makes chocolate bars, spreads and other specialty products at factories in Spain, France and Belgium. The new London facility will be part of Natra’s consumer goods division. 

Modelled on the proven Eastern Ontario Development Fund, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is helping to create jobs and diversify the economy by encouraging regional businesses to pursue innovation and new markets. Together these two funds have created and retained more than 24,000 jobs and strengthened local economies. 

Creating local jobs and growing the economy is part of the government’s economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate. 

QUOTES

“Our government is pleased Natra has decided to open a production facility in London that will bring good jobs to the area. We are committed to helping our communities grow and the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is working to bring more investment to Ontario and more jobs to our people.”
— Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

“I’m delighted that our government is investing in the food processing sector and that Natra chose London for their expansion. Supporting new jobs for our talented workers and making our local economy stronger will help us continue to attract global businesses to our community.”
 — Deb Matthews, MPP, London North Centre

 “We’re thankful for the support of the Ontario government and the people of this province. Our new production facility in London will help strengthen our North American footprint and increase the sales of our consumer goods division.”
— Stephane Forrer, CEO, Natra Chocolate America Inc.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is providing a loan of $2,851,000 towards this project.
• Natra is a publicly traded multinational company based in Spain and one of the leading companies in Europe specializing in chocolate products and cocoa derivatives.
• Natra’s new London plant will make about 12,000 tonnes of chocolate per year when at full production capacity.
• Ontario is accepting applications for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund from qualified businesses that are growing and creating jobs.
• Sectors eligible for the fund include advanced manufacturing, processing, life sciences, information and communications technology, tourism and cultural industries.
• Since October 2012, the government has committed $36 million through Southwestern Ontario Development Funding, leveraging a total investment of $340 million. These investments have helped to create over 1,800 new jobs and retained more than 7,200 existing jobs in the region.

LEARN MORE

Read Going Global: Ontario’s Trade Strategy.

Find out if your business qualifies for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.

Read the 2013 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review.