Port of Hamilton: A Powerhouse for Agri-Food Expansion!
Hamilton’s port isn’t just about steel anymore; it’s carving a name as a food-sector heavyweight. Among the exciting projects reshaping the waterfront is the expansion of Canadian agri-business Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H), adding serious muscle to its operations on Pier 10.
P&H, a titan in Canada’s flour and feed game, is building its third flour mill at the port, marking yet another milestone in its 15-year partnership with Hamilton. The facility, already an impressive 511,659 square feet, will balloon to 705,800 square feet once the work—led by St. Jacobs-based CAMAR Mill Systems—is complete.
“This expansion is more than just a bigger building,” said John Heimbecker, P&H’s CEO. “It’s a testament to our commitment to Canadian agriculture and the baking industry. We’re gearing up to meet the evolving needs of farmers and business partners alike.”
The upgrade includes two massive storage silos to house key ingredients like soymeal, distillers dried grains, and, of course, Ontario-grown wheat. Once operational in 2025, the expanded facility will cement P&H’s title as Ontario wheat’s biggest customer.
It’s worth noting that P&H has been playing the long game here. When the first mill was built in 2017, it was Ontario’s first new flour mill in 75 years. By 2020, the company had already doubled its capacity. This latest addition will keep them at the forefront of efficient wheat processing and storage.
But P&H isn’t the only game in town. SucroCan is also making waves with its $135+ million sugar refinery project at the port, set to become Canada’s largest. The refinery, slated to start production in late 2025, will churn out over a million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually, feeding Ontario’s massive food and beverage sector.
Sucro’s chairman, Don Hill, emphasized Hamilton’s strategic advantages: “This city is the epicentre of Canada’s food industry, with ideal access to ocean-going vessels and proximity to the U.S. market. Plus, HOPA (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority) has been an incredible partner throughout.”
In other port news, Toronto Tank Lines recently launched a rail transload yard at Pier 25, streamlining the movement of food-grade products like those from P&H and SucroCan. The seven-acre site accommodates up to 70 railcars, ensuring the port keeps goods flowing efficiently.
With 14 agri-food companies now calling the Port of Hamilton home, the sector accounts for 31% of the port’s total cargo. Add that to the 120+ food ingredient companies citywide, and Hamilton’s $1 billion food processing sector is clearly thriving—second only to steel.
So next time someone talks about Hamilton being "just a steel city," remind them it’s also where Ontario’s flour gets milled, sugar gets refined, and the future of Canadian agriculture is being shaped.
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