Following the grant announcement, the dignitaries present took a moment for a group photo. From left: SDG Warden Martin Lang, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad, David J. Hendrick, Executive Vice President, David J Hendrick International Inc., Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Shintaro Egusa, Katzuki Hori, South Dundas Deputy Mayor Marc St. Pierre. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – The Province of Ontario has stepped in to help fund the development of Canada’s first non-GMO soymilk powder processing plant with a grant of $1.5 million to Alinova Canada Inc. through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) of the Regional Development Program (RDP).

First launched in 2019, the RDP provides tailored supports to businesses and municipalities, helping them invest in the equipment, technologies and skilled workers they need to grow and remain competitive in a shifting economic landscape.

The facility is located in the former Homestead Organics building on Allison Ave. in Morrisburg, Ontario, and is expected to be operational by mid-March 2026.

First announced in November 2024, the project was made possible by an investment of nearly $24 million by Alinova Canada Inc., a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc. (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, it is vital that Eastern Ontario continues to protect and build our homegrown agri-food workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont -Dundas – South Glengarry in making the announcement on Tuesday morning, December 2. “Through the Regional Development Program, Morrisburg is proud to be home to Canada’s first soymilk powder processing plant, which will create good-paying jobs and strengthen our local economy for decades to come.”

Alinova Canada’s new facility will use Ontario-grown soybeans to produce over 1,200 metric tonnes of soymilk powder per year. This investment will not only solidify and expand Ontario’s domestic processing capacity but also strengthen the province’s competitive advantage as a leading global supplier of soybeans and soymilk powder ingredients.

MPP Quinn was accompanied by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Alinova Canada’s investment is a vote of confidence in our province’s manufacturing capabilities and in our world-class workers,” said Minister Fedeli. “With their new Morrisburg facility, Alinova is onshoring key processing capacity from Japan for Ontario’s agri-food supply chain, creating good-paying jobs, and driving long-term economic growth in Eastern Ontario.”

“For the past 20 years, our company has enjoyed a strong relationship with the non-GMO soybean growers of Eastern Ontario,” said Nobuyoshi Sakai, President, Marusan Ai. “We are now embarking on a partnership designed to manufacture a made-in-Ontario soybean ingredient product that will meet the protein needs of the global consumer and leave a legacy of economic growth in the Morrisburg community.”

“As project leader and Board Director of Alinova Canada, I look forward to advancing the food processing sector in Eastern Ontario in partnership with Marusan Ai,” said  David Hendrick, Executive Vice President, David J Hendrick International Inc. “Through this project, it is our full intention to ensure that Alinova Canada offers every opportunity possible to skilled workers and soy growers in the area as well as the Morrisburg community at large. We thank Minister Fedeli and the provincial government for their support and look forward to shining a light on this key industry.”

South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad spoke of the spin-off benefits that Alinova will have for the surrounding community. “Alinova Canada’s decision to invest in Morrisburg is tremendous news for the community,” said Mayor Broad. “With the support of provincial funding, this project brings new economic opportunities, high-quality jobs, and strengthens our position in Ontario’s agri-food sector. Not only will this facility export a made-in-Ontario product to global markets, but it will also create new opportunities for our local farmers and suppliers right here at home.

“We are super proud to welcome Alinova to South Dundas and appreciate the Ontario government’s continued investment in our region’s growth.”

Ontario is home to 59 per cent of Canada’s soybean production. As global demand for soybean products rise, the province is strengthening its agri-food sector through strategic investments, including through the onshoring of processing capacity.