Maple Leaf Foods to Consolidate US Plant Protein Production From Three Hubs to One

Canadian meat giant Maple Leaf Foods is consolidating its plant-based protein manufacturing in the US, closing two facilities in Seattle, Washington and Turners Falls, Massachusetts by the end of 2027. Production will be centralized at its Indianapolis facility, aiming to streamline operations and improve manufacturing competitiveness. The move is part of Maple Leaf's Fuel for Growth initiative, with CEO Curtis Frank stating that the consolidation will create a more efficient manufacturing network and strengthen the plant protein business's profitability.

The decision to consolidate production into a single Plant Protein Centre of Excellence in Indianapolis comes as Maple Leaf Foods revives the Yves Veggie Cuisine brand, which it recently acquired. While the closures will result in layoffs, the company plans to support affected employees and invest in the Indianapolis plant to expand operations. Frank emphasized that the decision does not diminish Maple Leaf's commitment to plant proteins, highlighting the acquisition of Yves Veggie Cuisine as a strategic move to enhance the company's portfolio and improve manufacturing efficiency.