The Original Cakerie announces $40 million investment

LONDON, Ontario - On February 29, 2008, The Original Cakerie announced plans to locate their manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. Their announcement represents a capital investment of $40 million, with employment expected to reach 400 employees when they start production early next year. This 125,000 sq. ft. facility will be located on 20 acres in Innovation Park.

The Original Cakerie is Canada's largest, privately owned dessert company, based in Vancouver, BC, producing layer cakes, dessert cakes and dessert bars. This expansion into Ontario will support their rapid growth to retailers and food service companies throughout Canada and the United States. Their products are available through major retailers such as M&M Meats, and Kroger's, grocery stores, and food service providers such as Sodexho and Aramark.

"The Original Cakerie's investment demonstrates strong confidence in, and commitment to our community," says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. "We warmly welcome them to London and know they will be successful here."

Peter White, President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation concurred with Mayor DeCicco-Best's thoughts, adding "it has been an absolute pleasure, and honour, for the LEDC team to work closely with such a wonderful company. The Original Cakerie produces a high quality product, sourcing natural ingredients from regional suppliers. This isn't just a success story for London, but a success story for the whole region. We look forward to continuing to support The Original Cakerie as they grow in our community."

David Hood, President of The Original Cakerie remarked today, "We pride ourselves in creating delicious, high quality desserts and we're aiming to be an employer of choice. London and the surrounding rural communities have the perfect combination of skilled labour, material resources and a community culture that is aligned with our company's core values."

The Original Cakerie is already planning future expansions. Phase II will see their London facility double in size to 250,000 sq. ft., and add an additional 100 jobs.

The Original Cakerie Ltd. was established in 1979 as a small industrial bakery producing high quality food service desserts for local restaurants in Victoria, BC. The company has expanded and grown over the past 25 years and is now the largest privately-owned frozen dessert manufacturer in Canada.

Also on hand for the announcement were Khalil Ramal, MPP London-Fanshawe, Hon. Chris Bentley, MPP London West and Hon. Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre. The province was pleased to announce their investment of $2.5 million to The Original Cakerie and its partner, the Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board, for the construction of the new plant in London. Ontario's wheat producers and dairy and egg farmers will benefit from the company's need for local ingredients. The Original Cakerie anticipates an expenditure of up to $30 million per year in agricultural inputs (flour, eggs, cream, fruit and sweeteners) from Ontario and this number is expected to grow annually.

For more information, please contact:
Lesley Cornelius
Director, Marketing and Communications
London Economic Development Corporation
519-661-5009
lcornelius@ledc.com