Maple Leaf Foods says the decision is part of its Fuel for Growth initiative and follows a review of its plant protein manufacturing footprint. The company says consolidating production in Indianapolis will create a more efficient manufacturing network, improve capacity utilization, reduce operational complexity and establish a focused Centre of Excellence with the scale and capabilities to support Maple Leaf Foods' plant protein brands more competitively.

"Over the past several years, we have taken significant action to improve the performance of our Plant Protein business, and we have made meaningful progress," says Curtis Frank, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. "But the category has changed significantly, and declining volumes have left our manufacturing network substantially underutilized. Maintaining three facilities at these utilization levels creates structural costs that are not sustainable over the long term. Consolidating production in Indianapolis will significantly improve the economics of our manufacturing network and is an important step toward creating a structurally stronger and sustainably profitable Plant Protein business.”

The expected benefits, costs and capital requirements of the consolidation are included in Maple Leaf Foods' previously disclosed 2030 financial outlook.

"This decision does not change our commitment to the plant protein category," Frank says. "In fact, we believe it strengthens the foundation of the business. Our recent relaunch of Yves Veggie Cuisine is complementary to this strategy, bringing a leading brand and additional volume into our portfolio and helping us create greater scale and improve the economics of our consolidated manufacturing footprint."

Production will continue at the Seattle and Turners Falls facilities during the transition period. The phased approach is intended to maintain business continuity, support customer service and enable an orderly transfer of production to Indianapolis. As production is consolidated, Maple Leaf Foods expects to invest in its Indianapolis facility and add team members to support the expanded scope of operations.

"Our colleagues in Seattle and Turners Falls have made important contributions to our business and have consistently demonstrated tremendous commitment to our customers, consumers and brands," Frank says. "This decision is not a reflection of their performance or the quality of their work. We recognize how difficult this announcement is for them and their communities, and our priority will be to support affected team members with respect, fairness and transparency."

Maple Leaf Foods will work closely with affected team members throughout the transition, providing support and considering opportunities at other Maple Leaf Foods facilities where feasible.