Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Canadian ice cream manufacturer is growing as they increase their production with a new 175,000 square foot, multimillion-dollar facility.
Markdale, ON
Construction has begun on Chapman’s new production facility in Markdale, Ontario, as they look to expand their product offering and boost production capabilities. On September 19, Chapman’s welcomed the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, to officially announce the support from Invest Ontario towards the major expansion. While on site, dignitaries toured Chapman’s current facilities and, of course, enjoyed a scoop of ice cream.
The Canadian family owned and operated business has been making real dairy ice cream since 1973. Today Chapman’s is the largest ice cream manufacturer in Canada, distributing their ice cream and frozen treats across the country.
“Some companies don’t use Canadian milk per se. They use everything else. But this is a great company,” Doug Ford said. “It is a real homegrown Canadian success story supporting Ontario workers on farms and in factories.”
Through the Invest Ontario Fund, Chapman’s new facility will be supported with a loan of up to $27 million. “This investment has allowed us to build a bigger facility and support higher paying jobs for Canadians,” said Ashley Chapman, COO of Chapman’s. “The Invest Ontario program is an amazing initiative to support business in the province of Ontario.” The new factory will increase Chapman’s production space by 35 percent.
Chapman’s expansion will add 200 high-paying jobs to Ontario’s workforce, as well as new state-of-the-art automation solutions. With a total investment of over $200 million, Chapman’s plans to add many exciting new products to their offering that aren’t currently sold in Canada.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario is proud to stand as a trusted partner for companies seeking a competitive business environment, highly skilled workforce and resilient economy in which to invest,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are thrilled to see Chapman’s expand their Canadian roots and deliver innovative, high-quality Ontario-made products to families here and around the world.”
While Chapman’s ice cream is proudly made with 100% Canadian dairy, the expansion will allow for opportunities to experiment with more locally sourced ingredients, innovative products, and exciting new flavours. Ashley Chapman said, “In the near future, we are focused on improving our products and our facilities and boosting our efforts to source ingredients exclusively from Canadian suppliers.”
With Ashley Chapman standing behind them, David and Penny Chapman are sitting at a table in Chapman’s head office boardroom. An array of Chapman’s products are on display behind them.
David and Penny Chapman with their son, Ashley Chapman
The Chapman family currently operates two production facilities, one of which is strictly peanut and nut free. The new facility will be their third, with plans to expand their allergy-friendly product lines with the new space. The Invest Ontario Fund will support Chapman’s desire to make ice cream for everyone, as they continue to innovate on a grand scale.
Construction of the new facility is expected to commence on May 1, 2026.
